Ground milling machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to a ground milling machine which is provided with a rack, at least one front running device and at least one rear running device along the longitudinal direction of the machine, each traveling device comprises a traveling wheel which is in contact with the ground in the traveling operation of the ground milling machine and has a landing surface configured to directly contact with the ground, or comprises a crawler belt which is in contact with the ground in the traveling operation of the ground milling machine and a driving wheel configured to drive the crawler belt. The at least one traveling device is configured to be adjustable in height along a lifting axis by means of the lifting device and / or to be configured to be rotatable about a steering axis for steering the ground milling machine, and wherein the at least one traveling device is arranged on the machine frame by means of a bearing device which is configured to be rotatable about the steering axis. The driving device can be moved at least partially transversely to the lifting shaft and / or the steering shaft by means of a translational movement. The ground milling machine has the beneficial effect that the operability of the ground milling machine in operation and transportation is further improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine or a reinforcement machine or a finishing machine, wherein the ground milling machine has a frame and at least one traveling device at the front viewed in the longitudinal direction of the machine and at least one traveling device at the rear viewed in the longitudinal direction of the machine. In addition, the utility model also relates to a method for driving the ground milling machine in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the machine by a maximum of 90 degrees and a method for positioning the ground milling machine for maintenance work and / or for transportation. Background Art

[0002] Ground milling machines of this type are used in particular for road and street construction, as well as in the construction of public squares and landing strips. The ground milling machine is usually a self-propelled construction machine having a frame supported by a traveling mechanism. In addition, the construction machine usually has a driver's console, on which an operator can stay and from which the operator controls the ground milling machine, for example, via a control device. A milling roller is usually provided as a central working device of the ground milling machine. The milling roller is usually a hollow cylinder, on the outer circumference of which a plurality of milling tools, such as milling chisels, are arranged. The milling roller is usually supported in a milling roller box so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis. The milling roller box surrounds the milling roller in a hood-like manner and is configured to be open downward, i.e., toward the ground. The milling tool is pushed into the ground by the rotation of the milling roller and mills the ground. In a road milling machine, the milled and loosened milling material is usually removed from the milling roller box and loaded onto a transport vehicle via a conveying device, which transports the milled material away. In consolidation machines and finishing machines, the mixing of the ground material is more important, and the milled material can usually be re-laid on the ground behind the milling roller box or left on the ground. In finishing machines, the removed asphalt layer is reused to provide a new load-bearing layer. Consolidation machines are usually used to mix the ground with a material that stabilizes it and is intended to increase the load-bearing capacity of the ground.

[0003] The travel mechanism of a ground milling machine of the type described usually comprises a travel device, which is a part of the travel mechanism that is in direct contact with the ground, in particular during the travel operation of the ground milling machine. Common ground milling machines have three or four travel devices, and in principle, a number of travel devices different from this is also conceivable. The travel device is usually designed as a crawler travel mechanism or a wheel. Thus, one or each travel device can respectively include a travel wheel that is in contact with the foundation during the travel operation of the ground milling machine, and the travel wheel has a contact surface that is designed for direct contact with the ground. Alternatively, one or each travel device can include a crawler that is in contact with the foundation during the travel operation of the ground milling machine and a drive wheel that is designed to drive the crawler. The crawler is usually designed to directly contact the ground. Here, usually at least two travel devices are arranged at a distance from each other in the longitudinal direction of the machine or in the longitudinal direction of the machine, and the travel device can be divided into a front and a rear travel device according to the structure of the ground milling machine. In this case, the longitudinal direction of the machine corresponds to the front / rear direction of the ground milling machine. The front and rear travel devices are arranged separately from each other in the longitudinal direction of the machine.

[0004] The travel device of the type described can be designed to be rotatable about a steering axis in order to steer the ground milling machine. In addition or alternatively, the travel device can also be designed to be height-adjustable along the lifting axis by a lifting device. Both cases can relate to all, a single or multiple travel devices of the ground milling machine. Usually, at least in the forward direction, the front and / or rear travel devices, in particular all travel devices, can be steered about a steering axis respectively to influence the direction of travel of the ground milling machine. In addition, in addition or alternatively, the front and / or rear travel devices, in particular all travel devices, can be height-adjustable along a lifting axis extending at least partially in the vertical direction respectively by a suitable lifting device in the forward direction. The lifting axis and / or the steering axis usually extend vertically or substantially vertically. In other words, the lifting axis and / or the steering axis usually extend perpendicularly to the foundation on which the ground milling machine is located. The steering axis is the axis about which the corresponding travel device rotates in the steering movement, or the turning point in a usually horizontal reference plane extending perpendicularly to the steering axis. Common lifting devices are, for example, lifting columns, via which a travel device, such as a crawler track or wheels, is connected to the frame. A road milling machine of the type described and in particular a travel device unit of the type described which is configured as a crawler track with a lifting column is given, for example, by EP 2 230 160 A2. Usually, the travel device of a ground milling machine of the type described is arranged on the frame or on the lifting device via a supporting device. For a crawler track, the supporting device usually comprises a travel device bracket, which establishes a connection between the lifting device and the travel device. The lifting axis of the corresponding travel device is in particular an axis along which the travel device moves relative to the frame during lifting adjustment.

[0005] In the design of a ground milling machine of the type described, special attention is always paid to its maneuverability. This is important for operating operations that must follow the planned milling path as accurately as possible or must mill as close as possible to obstacles, as well as for transport operations, for which the ground milling machine must usually be arranged on a transport vehicle in a way that saves as much space as possible. Thus, for example, it is known that at least one travel device of a ground milling machine is designed to be pivotable via a pivot arm, so that the travel device can be used in different positions depending on the size of the available space. For example, such a ground milling machine is described in DE 29924 566 1. In addition, it is also known that the travel device of a ground milling machine is designed so that it can be rotated to a maximum of 90° with the longitudinal direction of the machine, so that the ground milling machine can travel essentially transversely to its longitudinal direction of the machine or in the front / rear direction. Such a solution is shown in US 2016 / 0040372 A1. However, such a system only works if the travel device, such as a crawler track, is small or short. However, the crawler tracks or wheels of the above-mentioned ground milling machines are usually so large that they collide with each other when they are rotated to an angle of up to 90° to the longitudinal direction of the machine. This is because it is usually necessary to strive for a large support surface for the chassis so that the high weight of the ground milling machine does not cause the ground milling machine to sink in the ground to be processed. Therefore, in most of the above-mentioned ground milling machines, due to the external dimensions of the chassis, a sufficiently large steering deflection for a travel movement perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the machine cannot be achieved. Utility Model Content

[0006] Against this background, the object of the invention is to further improve the operability of a ground milling machine in operating operation and for transport purposes.

[0007] The object is achieved according to the utility model by a ground milling machine, the ground milling machine having a frame and at least one traveling device viewed in the front along the longitudinal direction of the machine and at least one traveling device viewed in the rear along the longitudinal direction of the machine.

[0008] Each of the traveling devices comprises a running wheel which contacts the ground during the traveling operation of the ground milling machine, and the running wheel has a contact surface which is configured to directly contact the ground, or each of the traveling devices comprises a crawler track which contacts the ground during the traveling operation of the ground milling machine and a drive wheel which is configured to drive the crawler track.

[0009] At least one traveling device is designed to be adjustable in height along a lifting axis by means of a lifting device and / or to be rotatable about a steering axis in order to steer the ground milling machine, and

[0010] The at least one traveling device is arranged on the machine frame via a supporting device.

[0011] In a ground milling machine of the type described above, a solution is obtained in that the support device is configured so that the travel device can be moved at least partially transversely to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis by a translational movement. In particular, the travel device can also be moved relative to at least some parts of the support device and / or relative to the frame of the ground milling machine by a translational movement. Here, the translational movement is preferably carried out transversely or perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis. In other words, the translational movement is preferably carried out in a horizontal plane, for example in a plane parallel to the orientation of the foundation on which the ground milling machine is located. However, it can also be the case that the translational movement is not carried out only in a horizontal plane, but also has a vertical component. If the trajectory of the travel device is projected onto a horizontal reference plane, the translational movement here extends at least partially transversely or perpendicularly to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis. At this time, the corresponding axes are of course not projected together into the reference plane, but in particular intersect the reference plane substantially perpendicularly or vertically.

[0012] According to the utility model, at least one of the travel devices is configured to be adjustable along the lifting axis by a lifting device, especially in a vertical height, and / or configured to be rotatable around a steering axis, so as to steer the ground milling machine. In addition, the utility model also relates to a support device for just this travel device. However, it can also be set that multiple travel devices are configured in this way, for example, all the front and / or all the rear travel devices of the ground milling machine are configured in this way. Preferably, all the travel devices of the ground milling machine are provided with the features mentioned here. At this time, each travel device can only have a lifting device with a lifting axis or be configured to be only steerable, that is, to have a steering axis. But it is also feasible that one or more, preferably all travel devices not only have a lifting device with a lifting axis but also are configured to be steerable, that is, to have a steering axis. At this time, the lifting axis can be configured to be coaxial with the steering axis. Alternatively, the lifting axis and the steering axis can be arranged separately from each other. The lifting axis and the steering axis can be arranged parallel to each other or tilted to each other, and can have or not have an intersection.

[0013] Translational movement or translation refers to a movement in which all points of the travel device or all components of the travel device move in the same way. At a given moment, the speed and acceleration of all points or components are the same, so that these points or components move on parallel paths. Rotational movement or rotation is different from this, in which all points of the travel device or all components of the travel device move in a circle around a common axis. In particular, any movement of a rigid object can be represented by the superposition of translational and rotational movements. According to the utility model, the translational movement can also be carried out simultaneously with the rotational movement. It is only important that at least a translation is also carried out in addition to the rotation, and the travel device or all components of the travel device are moved by the translational movement compared to and / or relative to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis. In the translational movement of the track, for example, the upper track of the track moves at the same speed and in the same direction as the lower track of the track. In contrast, when the ground milling machine is moving on the crawler tracks, the upper crawler tracks move in the opposite direction to the lower crawler tracks, so that this movement does not fall within the definition according to the present invention. Although the crawler tracks also perform translational movements with the ground milling machine during its movement, they do not move relative to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis. As a result, the translational movement can be performed in one movement step or in a plurality of movement steps one after the other. When there are a plurality of movement steps, other movements can also be performed between these movement steps. If a plurality of travel units perform translational movements, these movements can be performed simultaneously or in a time-staggered manner and / or at the same or different movement speeds.

[0014] By means of the translational movement according to the invention, the position of the travel device can be changed relative to the machine frame or to the connection of the travel device on the machine frame, for example, by means of a lifting column. In this way, the extent to which the travel device projects transversely to the lifting axis and / or transversely to the steering axis and thus transversely to the connection on the machine frame, for example, by means of a lifting column, can be changed. In this way, when the machine frame of the ground milling machine is stationary, the travel device can be moved, at least within the range of the adjustment limits of the support device. Conversely, the machine frame can be moved without the travel device moving forward. Thus, in this way, the relative position of at least one travel device to all travel devices relative to the rest of the machine, in particular at least to the machine frame, can be changed. By reducing the projection of the travel device relative to the connection on the machine frame, for example, a lifting column, collisions between the travel devices can be avoided at large steering angles. Thus, for example, the travel device can be moved outwards from the machine center according to a conventional steering deflection, so that its projection outwards over the connection on the machine frame is significantly greater than its projection towards the machine center. In this way, less space is required in the region of the machine center and collisions between the travel devices are avoided. In this case, a steering angle of up to 90° can be achieved relative to the longitudinal direction of the machine or the front / rear direction of the ground milling machine. This means that even if the ground milling machine has a large travel device and a large ground contact surface of the crawler track or wheels, it is possible to deflect the steering angle by 90° and move the ground milling machine perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the machine. The space requirement of the ground milling machine on the transport vehicle can also be optimized by the corresponding mobility of the travel device. For example, if the travel device has already encountered a low obstacle, such as a threshold or the like, the frame or body of the ground milling machine can continue to move by the translational movement of the travel device. In addition, maintenance work on the ground milling machine is facilitated. In this way, more space can be provided in front of and / or behind the milling roller box by the translational movement of the travel device, for example in order to maintain the milling roller or a conveying device connected to the milling roller box.

[0015] For this purpose, for example, when the steering position is in the straight-ahead direction or in the longitudinal direction of the machine, the travel device is moved away from the milling roller box by a translational movement according to the invention. In this way, more space can be freed up in the working area around the milling roller box, and maintenance personnel can also stay in said space. In addition or alternatively, in this way, the track gauge of the travel devices relative to each other or of the ground milling machine can be changed for a driving direction, for example the forward direction. This is very advantageous if the ground milling machine mills along edge structures, such as curbstones, and it should be ensured that the travel track of the ground milling machine is completely distributed on the curbstone or completely next to the curbstone. The individual travel devices can also be positioned so that all the individual travel tracks of these travel devices do not overlap with each other.

[0016] If the travel device includes a crawler track mechanism, the travel device has at least one crawler track and a drive wheel, and the drive wheel is used to drive the crawler track. For this reason, the drive wheel is preferably configured to rotate around the drive wheel shaft. In contrast, if the travel device includes a travel wheel configured to directly contact the ground, the travel wheel is preferably configured to rotate around the travel wheel shaft. The rotation of the drive wheel around the drive wheel shaft or the rotation of the travel wheel around the travel wheel shaft is usually driven by a hydraulic motor. But alternatively, an electric motor or a mechanical connection structure with an internal combustion engine can also be used. In addition, it is preferably set that the support device is configured so that the travel device can tilt around the swing axis. By tilting or swinging the travel device around the swing axis, it is easy to drive over the edge of the ground or other uneven places. The drive wheel shaft and / or the travel wheel shaft and / or the swing axis are configured or arranged here preferably substantially perpendicular to or perpendicular to the lifting shaft and / or the steering shaft and in the straight position of the travel device, especially also perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the machine. It is now particularly preferred that the bearing device is constructed so that the distance of the drive wheel axle or the travel wheel axle and / or the swing axle relative to the lifting axle and / or the steering axle can be adjusted. The lifting axle, the steering axle, the drive wheel axle, the travel wheel axle and the swing axle do not describe physical components in the present case, but only describe virtual axes, such as straight lines in space, which are used as the reference for the correspondingly described movements. The distance between two axes describes the shortest distance between the two axes in the present case. For example, this distance is defined by a connecting line between two points of the axle, where the connecting line is perpendicular to the two axes. At this time, the distance between coaxial or intersecting axes is zero. The adjustment of the distance of the drive wheel axle or the travel wheel axle and / or the swing axle relative to the lifting axle and / or the steering axle is achieved by the translational movement according to the utility model. If a travel device has both a swing axle and a drive wheel axle or a travel wheel axle, the distance of these axes to the lifting axle and / or the steering axle will change by the same amount. Therefore, this corresponding distance change can also define the translational movement according to the utility model.

[0017] In the case of a crawler travel mechanism, further axes can also be used to describe the translational movement. Thus, for example, it is preferably provided that the travel mechanism also includes at least one guide wheel and in particular at least one travel roller in addition to the crawler track and the drive wheel. The guide wheel is usually arranged on the crawler travel mechanism opposite the drive wheel and can also be configured for adjusting the crawler track tension, for example, by a crawler track tensioning device. One or more travel rollers in turn support the crawler track on the lower side of the crawler track, i.e. on the ground contact side. The travel rollers can be configured to be spring-loaded, for example. The guide wheel is preferably configured to be rotatable about the guide wheel axis, and the travel roller is in particular configured to be rotatable about the travel roller axis. In this case, it is particularly preferably provided that the bearing device is configured so that the distance of the guide wheel axis and in particular also the travel roller axis relative to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis can be adjusted.

[0018] This is also achieved by the translational movement of the travel device according to the utility model. The distances of all axes to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis also change by the same amount. Depending on the position of these axes relative to each other, the distance can be increased or reduced, or in the case of symmetrical movement around the lifting axis and / or the steering axis, the distance can even remain unchanged. The segments approaching the lifting axis and / or the steering axis and then moving away from it are added numerically, so that in this case the amount of distance change for all axes is also the same. It is important that the drive wheel axle, the guide wheel axle, the travel roller axle and, if necessary, the swing axle or the travel wheel axle move in the same direction and by the same amount through the translational movement. This also distinguishes the translational movement according to the utility model from the conventional rotational movement of the travel device during the steering process or from the conventional swinging movement of the travel device.

[0019] The travel device, which can be a wheel or a track, has a current direction of travel, which is defined by rolling on the foundation. Now the support device can be configured so that the support device allows the travel device to be adjusted in translation relative to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis along the direction of travel or in the opposite direction to the direction of travel. Therefore, this adjustment can also be achieved in particular by the travel drive of the travel device and / or by the travel drive of one or more other travel devices. But it can also be provided in addition or alternatively that the support device is configured so that the support device allows translation adjustment transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the direction of travel of the travel device. In this case, it is preferred that the travel device is lifted or at least unloaded relative to the foundation to facilitate such adjustment. As already explained above, the translation adjustment is carried out in principle at least partially in a horizontal plane, or in other words: in the projection of the adjustment movement to the virtual horizontal reference plane, if the position of the travel device before the translation adjustment is compared with the position of the travel device after the translation adjustment, the position of the corresponding travel device relative to the frame and / or relative to the milling roller always changes. This orientation of the adjustment direction makes it possible to change the track gauge of the ground milling machine in particular.

[0020] Different solutions can be envisaged for the specific design of the support device. For example, the support device can be constructed in two parts, but a three-part or more part construction scheme can also be considered. Preferably, the support device has a running gear bracket fixed to the lifting device or the frame and a running gear support fixed to the driving device, and the running gear bracket and the running gear support are movably supported, especially directly on each other, so that the running gear bracket and the running gear support can be adjusted translationally, especially linearly, relative to each other. The corresponding adjustment is achieved by the translation movement according to the utility model. The running gear support moves in particular with the driving device, while the running gear bracket is fixed relative to the frame and the lifting shaft and / or the steering shaft. The fixing part of the running gear support on the driving device can also be movable, so that the running gear support, for example, provides or defines the swing axis mentioned above for the driving device. For this purpose, the running gear support can, for example, have a swing joint, by which the running gear support is connected to the driving device.

[0021] A possible and preferred design of the support device provides that the support device comprises at least one guide rail. In this case, the running gear support and the running gear support are preferably connected to each other in a form-fitting manner via the guide rail, so that the running gear support and the running gear support can move relative to each other along the guide rail. That is, the form-fitting connection between the running gear support and the running gear support is preferably configured so that this connection allows movement along the guide rail, but prevents movement transverse to the guide rail. For example, the guide rail can be arranged on the running gear support, and the running gear support can have a guide element, which is embedded in the guide rail or surrounds the guide rail. However, this arrangement can of course also be the opposite, so that the guide rail is arranged on the running gear support and the guide element is arranged on the running gear support. The guide element is preferably provided with at least one roller, rolling bearing or sliding bearing to reduce the friction between the guide element and thus also, for example, the running gear support and the guide rail and thus also, for example, the running gear support. If the running gear support is configured in two parts or multiple parts, each part of the running gear support is preferably equipped with a corresponding guide element.

[0022] However, the support device can also be designed differently. For example, the support device can have a pivot arm in addition to or as an alternative to the guide rail. The running gear support can be connected to the or each running gear support, in particular, via the pivot arm, which is designed and supported in such a way that the pivot arm can realize a translational movement of the running gear. The or each running gear support here also preferably moves, for example pivots, together with the running gear relative to the running gear support. Here, the pivoting movement realized by the pivot arm can be linear or arc-shaped. The pivoting movement can also simultaneously include a rotational movement of the running gear. It is only important that, as already explained, the translational movement is also included in the movement process of the pivoting.

[0023] In another embodiment of the support device, in addition to or as an alternative to the possibilities described so far, the support device can also have a guide device, such as a slot guide structure. For example, the running gear support includes a slot guide structure, and the running gear support includes at least one slide block, which is movably supported in the slot guide structure and can execute the movement specified by the slot guide structure. Alternatively, this arrangement can also be designed in reverse here, that is, with a slot guide structure on the running gear support and at least one slide block on the running gear support. The slot guide structure can be designed, for example, as an elongated hole, in which the slide block is supported by a sliding or rolling bearing. Here, the shape of the slot guide structure specifies the movement or trajectory of the slide block and thus the movement or trajectory of the running gear support or the running gear. Here, the slot guide structure can also specify, for example, a linear or at least partially arcuate movement, as long as a translational movement of the running gear is also included.

[0024] In order to ensure reliable operation of the ground milling machine, it is preferably provided that the support device includes a locking device. The locking device is particularly configured to be adjustable between a locking position and a release position, wherein the locking device blocks a translational movement of the travel device relative to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis in the locking position, while allowing the translational movement in the release position. The locking device may include, for example, a pin, a latch, a hook or the like. For example, the locking device may be configured such that the locking device blocks or releases a movement of the or each travel mechanism support relative to the travel mechanism support. Here, the adjustment of the locking device between the locking position and the release position may be performed manually or automatically, for example controlled by a control device which will be described in detail below. In the case of an automatically controlled locking device, the locking device also includes an actuator, which moves the locking device between the locking position and the release position. The actuator may include, for example, a linear drive, in particular a hydraulic cylinder, or an electromagnet.

[0025] The translational movement of the carriage can be realized in principle in different forms. Thus, for example, the translational movement can be driven by the translational movement of the milling machine or the carriage to be translated itself or by the translational movement of other carriages of the milling machine. For example, a locking device that may be present on the carriage can be released, so that the carriage is now mounted substantially movably, so that the carriage can perform a translational movement relative to the rest of the machine. If the milling machine is now moved relative to the corresponding carriage in the direction of the translational movement, the carriage, for example due to its inertia and its own weight, remains in its original position, whereby the translational movement occurs. The milling machine can also be stationary, for example, the milling machine is held by other carriages that are fixed at this time, while the carriage to be adjusted is driven, in particular similar to how it is driven during the travel operation of the milling machine. By means of the travel drive of the carriage, the carriage as a whole or functional unit is now moved relative to the rest of the milling machine, which, due to its own weight and its inertia, in particular when the locking device is released, does not move with the carriage. In this way, the translational movement of the carriage is realized.

[0026] In summary, the translational movement of the travel device is defined according to the relative movement of the travel device relative to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis. On the other hand, this translational movement does not require a movement of the travel device relative to the support surface of the ground milling machine or relative to the external environment, which is also possible. The support surface of the ground milling machine is in the present case a ground surface defined by the outer surfaces of all the travel devices of the ground milling machine that are in contact with the ground, so that the support surface generally forms a rectangle, the sides of which extend parallel to the longitudinal extension axis of the ground milling machine. The perimeter of the rectangle is determined in such a way that the perimeter is the minimum perimeter required so that all existing travel devices with their outer surfaces in contact with the ground are just within this perimeter. The surface enclosed by the perimeters is the support surface of the ground milling machine.

[0027] In a first embodiment, it can be provided that there is no additional drive for the translational movement of the travel device. In this case, the ground milling machine, in particular, does not have a drive specifically for driving the translation of the travel device. Alternatively, it can be provided that the support device includes a drive device, in particular a hydraulic cylinder, which is used to drive the translational movement of the travel device relative to the lifting shaft and / or the steering shaft. The drive device preferably includes a linear drive, such as a hydraulic cylinder or a rack and pinion drive, which can be driven, for example, by a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. The drive device is preferably configured so that the drive device can realize the translational movement of the travel device relative to the lifting shaft and / or the steering shaft in one or preferably two, especially opposite directions. That is, if the travel device is, for example, in a straight-ahead position, the drive device is preferably able to drive the translational movement of the travel device in the longitudinal direction of the machine or in the opposite direction to the longitudinal direction of the machine. In this case, the support device is preferably constructed accordingly. It is also preferably provided that the drive device is controlled automatically by the control device or according to control instructions of the operator.

[0028] In principle, it is sufficient that the support device is designed so that the travel device can be adjusted between a starting position and one, preferably two, in particular mutually opposite end positions by means of a translational movement. In a preferred embodiment, it is provided, for example, that the support device comprises at least one stop which predetermines the end position of the translational movement of the travel device relative to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis, preferably at least two stops which define two mutually opposite end positions on the support device. The support device is preferably designed so that the translational movement of the travel device can be carried out on any section of the road within the scope of the structural possibilities of the support device. In other words, it is preferred that the support device can be adjusted to any position between the starting position and the or each of the end positions by means of the translational movement. Furthermore, it is preferred that the travel device can also be locked by a locking device in these arbitrary positions.

[0029] In order to obtain feedback about the current attitude or position of the travel device, a position sensor and / or a camera is preferably provided, which is used to determine the position of the travel device relative to the lifting axis and / or relative to the steering axis and / or relative to the support device, and in particular to send the position to the control device. That is, "determining" the position in the present case also preferably also includes the image detection of the position of the travel device by means of a camera. The position sensor can be configured, for example, as a contact sensor, so that different positions of the travel device along the adjustment movement specified by the support device can be detected. The contact sensor can be arranged, for example, in the end position or each of the end positions and / or the starting position of the travel device. Sensors that detect non-contactly, such as inductive proximity switches and / or suitable image processing software and cameras can also be used. In addition, the position sensor can also be a sensor that detects, in particular continuously detects, the position of a drive device related to the translational movement of the travel device. This can be, for example, a cable sensor or the like.

[0030] If only one travel device is supported on the ground milling machine by the support device of the utility model and can thus implement the translational movement according to the utility model, it is in principle completely sufficient to achieve the advantages of the utility model. Only by the translational movement of the one travel device, for example, the available space in front of or behind the milling roller box can be increased at least on one side of the machine, which space can be used as a maintenance channel. In addition, the support surface of the ground milling machine can also be changed to achieve, for example, simpler transportation. The ground milling machine of the type described usually has at least three and in particular four travel devices. Therefore, it is also preferred that at least two or particularly preferably at least three or particularly preferably all travel devices of the ground milling machine are supported on the ground milling machine by the support device according to the utility model, and can thus implement the translational movement according to the utility model. Therefore, the features, effects and advantages described here of all the described improvements are preferably applicable to all these travel devices. A particularly preferred embodiment provides that at least all the front and / or all the rear travel devices can implement the translational movement according to the utility model. In this way, it is preferably provided that there are two front and / or two rear travel devices. The two front travel devices and / or the two rear travel devices preferably each comprise a lifting device and / or a steering axle with a lifting axle and a support device. That is, the travel devices are particularly designed to be able to steer around the steering axle. The support device is preferably designed so that each travel device can move by a translational movement relative to the corresponding lifting axle and / or steering axle. In this way, the front travel device and / or the rear travel device can each be translated in the same direction. In this way, as long as the translation adjustment is not only linear, in the same direction and in the same degree, for example, the support surface of the ground milling machine can also be changed, for example, increased or reduced. For this purpose, for example, the respective front or rear travel devices can be adjusted in the same direction in the longitudinal direction of the machine towards the center of the machine and / or, for example, the front and rear travel devices can be adjusted towards each other or in opposite directions. Through this configuration, the free space available for maintenance work in front of or behind the milling roller box can also be significantly and double-sidedly increased.

[0031] The control device is in particular an electronic control device, for example a computer. The control device can be part of an onboard computer of a ground milling machine. For example, the control device is an onboard computer of a ground milling machine. The control device is configured to receive control instructions from an operator and to control an actuator of the ground milling machine to execute the control instructions. Thus, the control device is configured, for example, to control a drive device for the translational movement of the travel device automatically or in response to a control instruction from an operator. The control device can also be configured in particular to control the locking device. That is, the control device is preferably configured to control an actuator of the locking device. At the same time, the control device also receives signals from sensors of the ground milling machine, for example position sensors and / or cameras. The control device preferably includes a display device, for example a screen or a monitor. The control device can be configured to display signals of the position sensor and / or images of the camera to the operator on the display device. In this way, the operator can be informed of the current position of the travel device. In addition, the control device is preferably configured to display on the display device whether the locking device is in a locked position or a released position. The control device is preferably also designed to coordinate the translational movements of a plurality of travel devices of the ground milling machine. Thus, for example, an operator can enter a single control command on the control device, which indicates that the operator wants the ground milling machine to move transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine. In this case, the control device takes over the above-mentioned movements of the travel devices, which must on the one hand perform a translational movement and on the other hand must be deflected by up to 90° relative to the longitudinal direction of the machine. Another example is that the operator enters a control command on the control device, which indicates that the support surface of the ground milling machine should be reduced. In this case, the control device now coordinates the translational movement of at least some of the travel devices, for example in the longitudinal direction of the machine, and preferably coordinates in such a way that the front travel device moves backwards in the longitudinal direction of the machine and / or the rear travel device moves forwards in the longitudinal direction of the machine, thereby changing the distance between the front and rear travel devices and thus also changing the support surface of the ground milling machine. Finally, the operator can also enter a control command on the control device, which indicates that, for example, more free space is required in front of and / or behind the milling roller box for maintenance work. In this case, the control device coordinates the translational movement of the front and / or rear chassis in the longitudinal direction of the machine forward and / or backward, so that more space is freed up in front of and / or behind the milling roller box. To realize the corresponding function, the operator only needs to input a single control command representing the corresponding goal on the control device, whereupon the control device automatically executes the further processing and implementation of the control command.

[0032] The aforementioned objects are also achieved by means of the method according to the invention described below. Here, as already described above, the method according to the invention utilizes the translational movement of the travel device, whereby the travel device moves relative to the lifting axis and / or the steering axis. The method according to the invention particularly relates to a ground milling machine according to the invention or is implemented on such a ground milling machine. Therefore, all features, effects and advantages described here of the ground milling machine according to the invention are fully applicable to the method according to the invention in a transferred form and vice versa. To avoid repetitions, reference is made only to the corresponding further descriptions.

[0033] The utility model relates to a method for driving a ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine or a reinforcement machine or a finishing machine, in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the machine by a maximum of 90°. Here, the ground milling machine is preferably constructed according to the above description. The ground milling machine has at least one traveling device supported on a frame so as to be rotatable about a steering axis. The method comprises: rotating the traveling device about the steering axis to a transverse direction of the longitudinal direction of the machine up to 90°, the traveling device comprising a crawler configured to directly contact the ground and a driving wheel configured to drive the crawler or a running wheel having a ground contact surface configured to directly contact the ground. In order to avoid collisions between the driving devices, the method further comprises: moving the traveling device in translation relative to the steering axis. Optionally, the traveling device is also fixed to the frame by a lifting device with a lifting axis. In this case, the translation movement can also be carried out in such a way that the traveling device moves in addition to the steering axis and relative to the lifting axis. It is not important here in what order the rotation and translation movement of the traveling device are carried out. These steps can also be carried out simultaneously. Finally, the ground milling machine is driven with the traveling device rotating and moving in this way. In this case, the direction of travel of the ground milling machine is oriented transversely to the longitudinal direction of the machine at a maximum of 90°. In this way, the maneuverability of the ground milling machine on the construction site is significantly increased. In addition, due to this attitude of the travel devices, the ground milling machine can be driven and moved as a whole in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation of the milling roller and thus transversely to the longitudinal direction of the ground milling machine. In this case, if the milling roller is lowered and the ground material is milled, or if the ground milling machine is moved in sections and the milling roller is repeatedly lowered to mill the ground material, the ground milling machine can be used to mill ditches, such as drainage ditches or so-called rain gutters. It is also preferred in principle for the method according to the invention that a plurality of up to all travel devices of the ground milling machine can be moved in translation in this way. However, a single travel device is also sufficient. By means of the translational movement of the one travel device, for example, collisions with travel devices that are opposite to each other on the side of the other machine can already be avoided. Since the distances between the travel devices in a ground milling machine are not necessarily the same, it may be sufficient to avoid collisions between the travel devices when one travel device performs a translational movement. For example, in a floor milling machine with a total of four chassis, the rear chassis can be arranged closer to one another than the two front chassis. If the distance between the two front chassis is sufficient for a deflection of up to 90°, then only one rear chassis may need to be moved in translation in order to ensure that the rear chassis does not collide during such a deflection.

[0034] The utility model also relates to a method for positioning a ground milling machine, in particular a road milling machine or a reinforcement machine or a finishing machine, for maintenance work and / or for transportation. This preferably relates to the milling machine according to the utility model described above. The ground milling machine preferably comprises two front and / or two rear travel devices, each of which comprises a lifting device and / or a steering axis with a lifting axis. The method comprises: making the two front and / or two rear travel devices move in translation relative to the respective lifting axis and / or steering axis and transversely to the respective lifting axis and / or steering axis. Here, preferably, the two front travel devices move in the same direction in the longitudinal direction of the machine and / or the two rear travel devices move in the same direction in the longitudinal direction of the machine. Here, in particular, the front travel device moves in the same or different, for example, opposite directions relative to the rear travel device in the longitudinal direction of the machine. That is, the method comprises: making the front travel device of the ground milling machine only move in translation and making the rear travel device only move in translation. In addition, the method also comprises in particular: making both the front and rear travel devices of the ground milling machine move in translation. If, for example, the front and rear carriages of a floor milling machine are moved in translation in the same direction, the machine body is moved relative to its support points or support surfaces. Depending on the direction of movement, the machine body is moved, for example, forward or backward in the longitudinal direction of the machine. In addition, however, the machine body can also be moved in one or another direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the machine. For this purpose, the carriages must also be moved in translation in the transverse direction of the machine. In this way, the floor milling machine can be positioned on a transport vehicle, such as a low-bed truck, in a space-saving manner. Finally, the front and rear carriages of the floor milling machine can also be moved in translation in opposite directions. For example, the front and rear carriages can be moved toward each other or away from each other in the longitudinal direction of the machine. If the carriages are moved toward each other in the longitudinal direction of the machine, the total support surface required for the floor milling machine is reduced, which can be helpful when space conditions are limited, such as on a low-bed truck. On the other hand, if the front and rear carriages are moved away from each other, a larger free space for maintenance work is obtained both in front of and behind the milling roller box.

[0035] The method according to the present invention can be improved in different ways. For example, the corresponding method can be automatically executed by the control device, especially according to the control command input by the operator. As already described above, the control device controls the corresponding actuator at this time, so as to set the desired steering deflection and the desired translational movement of the travel device, for example. Here, for example, it can also be set that if the desired process set by the operator through his control command cannot be executed, the control device issues a warning to the operator. For example, the control device can be configured to detect when the desired steering angle cannot be set, for example due to a collision between the travel device and an obstacle. In addition, the control device can also detect when the travel device cannot perform the desired translational movement, for example, also due to a collision with an obstacle. This can be detected, for example, by the position sensor already described above. In this case, the control device issues a warning to the operator. Here, it can be an indication on the display device. In addition, the warning can also include a warning light or an audible warning, such as a warning sound.

[0036] Preferably, the position of the travel device relative to the lifting and / or steering axis is monitored, for example, by means of a position sensor and / or by means of at least one camera. It is also preferred that the position of the travel device relative to the lifting and / or steering axis is also displayed by the control device, for example on a display device. In addition to displaying the camera image on the display device, the control device can also be designed to evaluate the camera image and, for example, recognize the position of the travel device with respect to the translational movement from the image data. For example, the control device can then display more precise information to the operator, for example in the form of numerical values ​​or graphical representations.

[0037] Furthermore, the control device can be designed to implement safety measures when the ground milling machine is operated with the chassis moved in translation. Due to the translational movement of the chassis, for example, the support or the anti-tilting safety of the ground milling machine can change. In order to take this into account, it is preferably provided that the maximum travel speed of the ground milling machine is limited, in particular by the control device, when the chassis has moved in translation relative to the respective lifting axle and / or steering axle.

[0038] In other words, the ground milling machine can only be moved at a reduced travel speed compared to normal travel operation when the travel devices have been moved in translation (that is, when at least one travel device is not in the starting position). A corresponding limitation of the maximum speed can be predetermined by the control device. Alternatively, the ground milling machine can be moved at the normal travel speed, but when a threshold value is exceeded, a warning is issued or displayed to the operator by the control device. In this way, the operator can judge for himself whether, under the current situation, the ground milling machine can be moved at a given speed despite the translational movement of the travel devices.

[0039] The beneficial effect of the utility model is to further improve the operability of the ground milling machine during operation and for transportation purposes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.

[0041] Figure 1 is a side view of a road milling machine;

[0042] Figure 2 It is a side view of the reinforcement machine / finisher;

[0043] Figure 3 is a view of the ground milling machine from below, with the travel device in the straight-ahead position;

[0044] Figure 4 This is a view of the ground milling machine from below, with the travel gear deflected;

[0045] Figure 5 This is a view of the ground milling machine from below, with the travel device deflected and moving in translation;

[0046] Figure 6 The ground milling machine is shown from below, with the travel device having been moved in translation and deflected perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the machine;

[0047] Figure 7 is a perspective view of the travel mechanism unit;

[0048] Figure 8 is a side view of a travel mechanism unit with travel wheels;

[0049] Fig. 9 is a side view of a travel mechanism unit with a travel wheel capable of translational motion;

[0050] Fig.10 is a top view of the travel mechanism unit;

[0051] Fig.11 is a top view of a running mechanism unit with a running device having translational motion;

[0052] Fig.12 is a top view of another traveling mechanism unit;

[0053] Fig.13 is a top view of another running mechanism unit with a running device having a translational motion;

[0054] Fig.14 is a side view of another running mechanism unit;

[0055] Fig.15is a side view of another running mechanism unit with a running device having a translational motion;

[0056] Fig.16 is with relative to Fig.15 A side view of another running gear unit of the running gear with counter-translational motion;

[0057] Fig.17 is a side view of a ground milling machine with a traveling device for translational movement, which is loaded on a transport vehicle;

[0058] Fig.18 is with relative to Fig.17 A side view of a ground milling machine with a travel device that moves in opposite translation and is loaded on a transport vehicle;

[0059] Fig.19 is a flow chart of a method for driving a ground milling machine;

[0060] Fig. 20 is a flow chart of a method for positioning a ground milling machine for maintenance work and / or for transport;

[0061] Fig.21 is a view from below of a ground milling machine with the running gear in the straight-ahead position and a narrow track gauge;

[0062] Fig. 22 With the running gear in the straight-ahead position and a wide track gauge Fig.21 's view;

[0063] Fig.23 is a perspective view of an alternative running gear unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Identical or identically functioning components are denoted by the same reference numerals in the figures. Repeated components are not individually labeled in each figure.

[0065] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The side views of the ground milling machine 1 according to the utility model are shown respectively. Specifically, Figure 1 A road milling machine is shown, and Figure 2 A finishing machine / consolidation machine is shown. Figure 1 and 2The ground milling machine 1 in the drawing preferably has a frame 3 with a driving platform 2, from which an operator can control the ground milling machine 1, for example, by means of a control device 27. The ground milling machine 1 preferably has a drive motor 4 for driving, which can be an internal combustion engine or an electric motor, and is typically a diesel internal combustion engine. The running gear of the ground milling machine 1 preferably includes a running gear unit 12, specifically a front running gear unit 12a and a rear running gear unit 12b spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction L of the machine, which are parked on the foundation 8 and carry the frame 3. The working device of the ground milling machine 1 is preferably a milling roller 9 supported in a milling roller box 7 so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis 10. Here, the milling roller 9 is usually equipped with a milling tool, which mills the foundation 8 when the milling roller 9 rotates. Preferably, the conveying device 5 is used to transfer the milling roller 9 according to the ground milling machine 1 to the ground milling machine 1 according to the working device 1. Figure 1 The material removed by the milling machine is loaded onto a transport vehicle and transported away, whereas Figure 2 In the case of a finishing / reinforcement machine, the milled material is preferably laid down again on the foundation 8 behind the milling roller box 7 .

[0066] Here, the travel device unit 12 includes in particular a travel device 6 and in the example shown, a lifting device 11, which is configured to be in direct contact with the foundation 8 and is configured to adjust the height of the travel device 6 in the vertical direction. The corresponding travel device 6 is fixed to the frame 3 via the lifting device 11. Figure 1 The traveling device 6 of the road milling machine may include a crawler traveling mechanism, and according to Figure 2 The travel device 6 of the reinforcement machine / finisher can include wheels or running wheels. However, the road milling machine can of course also be equipped with wheels or running wheels, while the reinforcement machine / finisher can be equipped with a crawler travel mechanism. The travel device 6 has a current travel direction LF, which indicates the direction in which the corresponding travel device 6 rolls on the foundation or the direction in which the travel device 6 moves upright on the foundation. The lifting device 11 can be a lifting column, for example. Alternatively, it is also conceivable to use a lifting-pivoting transmission mechanism as the lifting device 11, for example when a parallelogram linkage mechanism is adopted. The height adjustment performed by the lifting device 11 is preferably performed along a lifting axis H that usually extends vertically. The lifting axis H is a virtual reference axis, not a specific component. In the example according to the two figures, the lifting axis H is located in the lifting device 11.

[0067] However, this is not necessarily the case. It is only important that the lifting axis H is fixed or defined relative to the lifting device 11. Therefore, the lifting axis can also be located outside the lifting device 11. Figure 1 and 2In the embodiment shown, the shown travel devices 6 are all designed to be steerable. Therefore, these travel devices are designed to be rotatable about a steering axis K, which preferably extends parallel to the lifting axis H. That is, the steering axis K is preferably also designed to be vertical. In addition, in the example shown, the steering axis K is coaxial with the lifting axis H. However, it is important to recognize that not all travel devices 6 need to be designed to be steerable, and thus not every travel device 6 also has to have a steering axis K. In addition, the steering axis K does not have to extend parallel to and / or coaxially with the lifting axis H. Only preferred embodiments are involved here.

[0068] Figures 3 to 6 The diagrams show schematic views of a ground milling machine 1 from below and illustrate the application of the invention, namely to achieve a steering deflection of up to 90° relative to the longitudinal direction L of the machine. Figures 3 to 6 In FIG. 1 , the front end of the ground milling machine 1 in the longitudinal direction L of the machine is shown on the left, while the rear end of the ground milling machine 1 is shown on the left. Figure 3 In the embodiment, all the travel devices 6 are in the straight-ahead position, that is, the travel direction of the ground milling machine 1 is substantially parallel to the machine longitudinal direction L during the travel drive of the travel devices 6. Figure 3 It can be seen that the front running gear units 12a have a different distance from each other in the machine transverse direction Q than the rear running gear units 12b. The machine transverse direction Q preferably extends perpendicularly to the machine longitudinal direction L and is referred to as the left / right direction of the ground milling machine 1, for example. For example, the front running gear units 12a can have a greater distance from each other in the machine transverse direction Q than the rear running gear units 12b. This is usually the case for road milling machines. It can of course also be provided that the rear running gear units 12b have a greater distance from each other in the machine transverse direction Q than the front running gear units 12a. Furthermore, the distances between the front running gear units 12a and the rear running gear units 12b in the machine transverse direction Q can also be the same.

[0069] Figure 4 A steering deflection of the travel device 6 to the right is shown by way of example. Figure 4 In particular, the maximum steering position that the travel device 6 can assume before the travel devices touch or collide with each other is shown. Due to the size of the travel device 6, it is usually not possible to set a larger steering position than in conventional ground milling machines 1. Figure 4 The maximum steering deflection of the travel device 6 is now significantly less than 90° relative to the machine longitudinal direction L. Therefore, in particular, a travel direction of the ground milling machine cannot be set perpendicular to the machine longitudinal direction L. The steering deflection to the right is selected here only as an example. The same problem occurs in the case of a steering deflection to the left.

[0070] exist Figure 5 It is shown in FIG. 1 how the present invention can solve this problem. Figure 4 Compared to the situation in FIG. 1 , the travel device 6 has in particular been moved in translation, and in such a way that it is moved relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K. The movement relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K is here in particular at least partially transverse to these axes, for example at least partially in a horizontal reference plane. The translational movement of the travel device 6 is preferably carried out in such a way that, in the case of a steering deflection different from the straight-ahead position, the travel device 6 is arranged further from the machine longitudinal center plane M than before the translational movement. The machine longitudinal center plane M is a virtual reference plane, which preferably extends in the vertical direction and in particular parallel to the machine longitudinal direction L. Furthermore, the machine longitudinal center plane M is preferably arranged in the center of the ground milling machine 1 with respect to its machine transverse direction Q. Thus, the reference plane extends, for example, at the midpoint of the two lateral outer sides of the ground milling machine 1, i.e., in particular the outer sides extending in the machine longitudinal direction L. Therefore, in order not to collide with each other in the region of the machine center with respect to the machine transverse direction Q, the travel device 6 is moved out of the machine center by the translational movement. In other words, the translation movement moves the travel device 6 away from the machine longitudinal midplane M. It is not important here whether the translation movement of the travel device 6 takes place before or after the desired steering deflection is at least partially set, as long as collisions of the travel devices 6 are avoided. It is only important that, in the case of a steering deflection different from the straight-ahead position, the travel device 6 is set farther away from the machine center with respect to the machine transverse direction Q or from the machine longitudinal midplane M by the translation movement. It is also not important here in which direction the travel device 6 is turned in order to adjust the steering deflection. For example, the two front travel gear units 12a and / or the two rear travel gear units 12b can each be turned, in particular about the steering axis K, in the same direction or in opposite directions in order to adjust the steering deflection. It is only important that, by the translation movement of the travel device 6, collisions of the travel device 6 in the region of the center in the machine transverse direction Q or in the machine longitudinal midplane M are avoided.

[0071] At this time, Figure 6 , a situation is shown in which the travel device 6 has a 90° steering deflection relative to the machine longitudinal direction L. Despite this steering deflection, the travel devices 6 do not collide with one another. In this situation, the ground milling machine 1 can be moved, in particular perpendicularly to the machine longitudinal direction L, i.e., for example, in the machine transverse direction Q, by driving the travel device 6.

[0072] also, Figures 3 to 6It is shown that by means of the described translational adjustment of the travel device 6, the support surface SF of the ground milling machine 1 can be significantly changed compared to a simple steering movement. The support surface SF here corresponds to a rectangular surface of the ground within which the travel device is in contact with the ground. By definition, the rectangle extends with its two longitudinal edges parallel to the longitudinal extension or the machine center plane M. In particular, the maximum steering deflection from the conventional starting position of the travel device 6 Figure 4 The bearing surface SF in Figure 6 A comparison of the bearing surface SF in Figure 6 The travel device extends toward the right and left side of the ground milling machine.

[0073] Figure 7 and 8 An exemplary embodiment of the chassis unit 12 or the chassis 6 is shown. Figure 7The chassis unit 12 comprises a chassis 6, which is designed, for example, as a crawler chassis, and which can be arranged on a lifting device 11, which is designed as a lifting column, via a support device 23. The chassis 6 preferably comprises a crawler track 22, which is designed for direct contact with the ground, and in particular also comprises a drive wheel 19, which is preferably designed to be rotatable about a drive wheel axle R1 and drives the crawler track 22 of the chassis 6 by means of this rotation. Here, the drive wheel axle R1 is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K. The support device 23 preferably also comprises a chassis support 14, which can be arranged, for example, on the lifting device 11. The chassis support 14 can have a guide rail 15, via which the chassis support 14 is preferably connected to the chassis support 13. The chassis support 13 is preferably connected to the chassis 6 and fixes the chassis to the chassis support 14 and thus also to the lifting device 11 or the frame 3 as a whole. It is particularly preferred that the carriage 6 is supported on the carriage support 13 so as to be rotatable, pivotable or tiltable, in particular about a pivot axis P. The pivot axis P is preferably oriented perpendicularly to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K and / or parallel to the drive wheel axis R1. The carriage support 13 is preferably supported on the carriage frame 14, in particular in a guide rail 15, so that it can be moved translationally together with the carriage 6 relative to the carriage frame 14, preferably along the guide rail 15. In addition, the support device 23 can also have at least one or more stops 16, which in particular limit the translational movement of the carriage support 13 relative to the carriage frame 14 and thus preferably define the end position of the translational movement. Finally, a position sensor 17 can be provided, which is used to detect the current relative position of the carriage support 13 relative to the carriage frame 14 and thus in particular the current relative position of the carriage 6 relative to the lifting axis H and / or relative to the steering axis K.

[0074] Figure 8 and 9 The side views of an embodiment are shown in each case, in which the travel device 6 comprises a travel wheel 24 with a contact surface 29 designed for direct contact with the ground. In principle, all features described here for the embodiment with a crawler travel mechanism can also be applied to this embodiment, and vice versa. The travel wheel 24 is preferably designed to be rotatable about a travel wheel axis R4. During the travel operation of the ground milling machine 1, the travel wheel 24 rotates in particular about the travel wheel axis R4 and rolls on the ground 8 in the process. Fig. 9 The comparison shows how the carriage 6, in particular the running wheels 24 here, executes a translational movement together with the chassis support 13 and in this case moves in particular relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K and in particular also relative to the chassis support 14. Figure 8 and9 The translation movement is carried out in a displacement direction V which is especially defined by the support device 23. Figure 8 Starting from the starting position in Fig. 9 The movement is performed in the opposite direction to that shown in the displacement direction V. The distance A4 from the travel wheel axle R4 to the lifting axle H and / or the steering axle K is changed by the translational movement of the travel device 6. Figure 8 The starting position in FIG. 1 shows a situation in which the travel wheel axle R4 intersects the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K, and the distance A4 from the travel wheel axle R4 to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K is therefore zero. Fig. 9 , it is shown that due to the translational movement, the distance A4 is greater than zero and thus changes. This change in the distance A4 distinguishes the translational movement from the steering movement, which represents a rotation about the steering axis K. In contrast to the translational movement according to the invention, in the case of such a rotation of the travel device 6 about the steering axis K, the distance A4 does not change.

[0075] Fig.10 and 11 This is explained again for an embodiment in which the travel device 6 comprises a crawler track. In addition to the drive wheel 19, the travel device 6 can also comprise at least one guide wheel 20, which is designed to be rotatable about a guide wheel axis R2. Typically, the guide wheel 20 is designed together with the drive wheel 19 for adjusting the tension of the crawler track 22. Here, the guide wheel axis R2 is preferably oriented parallel to the drive wheel axis R1 and / or the pivot axis P or perpendicular to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K. Fig.10 and 11 It is shown that, by means of a translational movement of the travel device 6 in the displacement direction V, in particular a distance A1 from the drive wheel axle R1 to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K is changed and / or a distance A2 from the guide wheel axle R2 to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K is changed and / or a distance A3 from the pivot axis P to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K is changed. In the illustrated embodiment and in the illustrated translational movement of the travel device 6 in the displacement direction V, the distance A1 increases, the distance A2 decreases, and the distance A3 has a value greater than zero. These changes in the distances A1, A2, A3 distinguish the translational movement of the travel device 6 from a steering movement by rotation about the steering axis K.

[0076] Fig.12 and 13Deviations are shown in particular in a general manner which may or may not be present in all embodiments in principle. This shows, for example, that the lifting device 11 and, for example, also the lifting axis H do not necessarily have to be arranged centrally on the chassis support 14. The lifting device 11 and, for example, also the lifting axis H can also be arranged eccentrically offset. It is also shown that the lifting axis H does not necessarily have to extend coaxially with the steering axis K. As shown, the lifting axis H and the steering axis K can also extend separately from each other. Here, the lifting axis and the steering axis can continue to be parallel to each other or can also be inclined or at an angle to each other. In particular, Fig.12 As shown, therefore, the distance A3 from the swivel axis P to the lifting axis H in the starting position is not necessarily zero, but can have a value greater than zero. Fig.12 and 13 In the embodiment, the distances A1, A2, A3 still relate to the lifting axis H, but can also relate to the steering axis K. In addition, Fig.12 and 13 An alternative design of the support device 23 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the support device does not include a guide rail 15, but includes a guide device 28, which can be configured as a slide guide structure, for example. The guide device 28 includes, in particular, an elongated hole extending at least partially along the movement direction V, in which, for example, a slider can be movably, in particular, slidably supported. During the translational movement of the travel device 6, the travel device is guided along the guide device 23 and in particular along the elongated hole. For this purpose, the elongated hole is, for example, arranged on the travel mechanism bracket 14, and the slider is arranged on the travel mechanism support 13, or vice versa. At this time, the guide device 28 and in particular the elongated hole are at least partially configured to be arc-shaped, so that the translational movement of the travel device 6 can be carried out both along the movement direction V and at least partially transversely to the movement direction V. Therefore, the translational movement 6 does not have to be carried out purely linearly in one direction, but can also include a curved trajectory, for example. In addition, the translational movement can also be superimposed on a rotation, for example. It is only important that the translational movement is carried out exactly as described above. From Fig.12 and 13 It can also be seen that the distances A1 , A2 , A3 already described above are also changed by the translational movement along the guide device 28 .

[0077] exist Fig.14 , 15 16 also show again the corresponding movement process in an embodiment having a travel device 6 with a crawler track. Here too, the change in distances A1, A2, A3 due to the translational movement of the travel device 6 is shown. In addition, Fig.14By way of example, a releasable locking device 25 is shown, which can be, for example, a bolt or the like. The locking device 25 is preferably designed to lock or release a translational movement of the travel device 6 relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K. For this purpose, the locking device 25 is preferably movable between a locking position and a release position. Here, the locking device 25 can be designed to be manually adjustable between the locking position and the release position, or the locking device 25 is adjusted by an actuator, for example an actuator controlled by a control device 27. The translational movement of the travel device 6 can in principle be driven by a travel drive of the travel device 6 itself or by a travel drive of at least one other travel device 6 of the ground milling machine 1. Alternatively, a drive device 26 can also be provided, which is designed to drive the translational movement of the travel device 6. Here, the drive device 26 can be designed, for example, as a hydraulic cylinder, in particular as a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, but can also have other actuators.

[0078] As in Fig.14 , 15 As shown in Figures 1 and 16, in addition to the drive wheel 19 and, if necessary, the guide wheel 20, the travel device 6 can also have at least one and in particular a plurality of travel rollers 21. The travel rollers 21 are in particular configured to support the crawler track 22 relative to the foundation 8. For this purpose, the travel rollers 21 are preferably configured to be rotatable around the travel roller axis R3, respectively. The travel roller axis R3 is preferably parallel to the drive wheel axis R1 and / or the guide wheel axis R2 and / or the pivot axis P. In addition, the travel roller axis is preferably oriented perpendicular to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K. Preferably, the distance of at least one and in particular all travel roller axes R3 to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K is also changed by the translational movement of the travel device 6.

[0079] exist Fig.17 and 18 , an application scenario of the present invention for positioning a ground milling machine 1 on a transport vehicle 18, such as a low-bed truck, is shown. The ground milling machine 1 is in particular already arranged on the loading surface of the transport vehicle 18 and is driven onto the loading surface to such an extent that the front running mechanism unit 12a touches a step or a threshold or a similar obstacle on the loading surface of the transport vehicle 18, or at least stops immediately in front of the above-mentioned obstacle. As a result, the ground milling machine 1 cannot continue to move onto the loading surface of the transport vehicle 18 via the travel drive of the travel device 6. Fig.17 and 18 1 shows a situation in which the ground milling machine 1 or the machine body or the frame 3 of the ground milling machine 1 is moved by a translational movement of the travel device 6 while the travel device 6 is stationary on the loading surface of the transport vehicle 18. For example, Fig.17In the embodiment, the frame 3 of the ground milling machine 1 has been completely moved forward in the longitudinal direction L of the machine (corresponding to a translational movement of the chassis 6 backwards in the longitudinal direction L of the machine), thereby making optimal use of the space available directly behind the cab of the transport vehicle 18, while additional space is freed up at the rear end of the transport vehicle's loading surface for, for example, other objects to be transported. Fig.18 In the embodiment, the frame 3 of the ground milling machine 1 has been completely moved backwards in the longitudinal direction L of the machine (equivalent to a translational movement of the travel device 6 forward along the longitudinal direction L of the machine), thereby freeing up additional space directly behind the cab of the transport vehicle 18 and making optimal use of the free space available at the rear end of the loading surface of the transport vehicle 18.

[0080] In addition, from Fig.17 and 18 It is also known from the literature that by means of the translational movement of the travelling device 6, additional space can be provided in front of and / or behind the milling roller box 7 in the longitudinal direction L of the machine. Fig.17 In the embodiment, the chassis 6 of the rear chassis unit 12b is moved backwards in the machine longitudinal direction L, for example, so that more space is available directly behind the milling roller box 7. Fig.18 In the embodiment, for example, the chassis 6 of the front chassis unit 12a is moved forward in the machine longitudinal direction L, so that more space is available directly in front of the milling roller box 7. Of course, it is also possible to move the chassis 6 of the front and rear chassis units 12a, 12b in such a way that more space is available both in front of and behind the milling roller box 7. This space can be used, for example, for maintenance work on the milling roller box 7, the milling rollers 9 and / or the conveyor device 5.

[0081] Fig.17 and 18 Furthermore, an optional supplement or alternative to the position sensor 17 is shown. Specifically, the ground milling machine 1 preferably has a camera 30 which records the travel device 6 and provides corresponding image data, in particular, to the control device 27. The position of the travel device 6 relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K can be determined from the image data of the camera 30. This can be done, for example, by calculation by the control device 27 or by an operator who can view the image data, for example, via the control device 27 or a display device contained therein.

[0082] exist Fig.19, a flow chart of a method 40 for driving a ground milling machine 1 in a direction transverse to the machine longitudinal direction L by up to 90° is shown. The method 40 preferably comprises: a rotation 41 of the travel device 6 by up to 90° relative to the machine longitudinal direction L. Simultaneously with the rotation 41 or before the rotation, a translational movement 42 of the travel device 6 relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K is preferably carried out, so that when a steering deflection of up to 90° is set, a collision of the travel devices 6 is prevented. For this purpose, the travel device 6 is preferably moved in translation such that, when the steering deflection deviates from the straight-ahead position, it moves away from the machine longitudinal center plane M. In other words, the travel device 6 is preferably moved in translation outward from the machine center. When the rotation 41 and the movement 42 of the travel device 6 are completed, the ground milling machine 1 can be moved, for example, with a steering deflection of up to 90° relative to the machine longitudinal direction L. The ground milling machine 1 is then driven 43 with the travel device 6 rotated and moved according to the above description. As a result, the maneuverability of the machine in the field is significantly increased.

[0083] Finally, in Fig. 20 , a flow chart of a method 50 for positioning a ground milling machine 1 for maintenance work and / or for transport is shown. The method 50 preferably includes: moving 51 all front and / or rear carriages 6 of the ground milling machine 1 in translation in the same direction. In order to provide more space around the milling roller box 7 for maintenance work, for example, the front carriage 6 can be moved in translation forward in the machine longitudinal direction L and / or the rear carriage 6 can be moved in translation backward in the machine longitudinal direction L. Conversely, in order to move the machine frame 3 of the ground milling machine 1 in the machine longitudinal direction L when the carriage 6 is stationary relative to the foundation 8 or the loading surface of the transport vehicle 18, all the carriages 6 of the ground milling machine 1 are preferably moved in translation in the same direction in the machine longitudinal direction L. Such a movement means, in particular, that the machine frame 3 of the ground milling machine 1 is moved relative to the carriage 6, since this movement is carried out relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K.

[0084] The methods 40, 50 can be automatically executed by the control device 27, for example, in response to corresponding control commands of an operator. The methods 40, 50 can optionally also include monitoring 44 the position of the travel device 6 relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K. For this purpose, the ground milling machine 1 preferably has a position sensor 17 or a camera 30. In addition, the position of the travel device 6 relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K can be informed to the operator by a display 45 by the control device 27. For this purpose, the control device 27 can be connected to a display device, such as a screen or a display. The control device 27 can also take safety measures in order to prevent or reduce dangers that occur during the operation of the ground milling machine 1, in particular when the travel device 6 is moved in translation. For example, it can be provided that the maximum travel speed of the ground milling machine 1 is limited 46 when the travel device 6 has moved in translation, due to which the travel device has moved relative to the lifting axis H and / or the steering axis K. Due to the translational movement of the carriage 6, it may happen that the weight of the ground milling machine 1 no longer acts optimally on the carriage 6 and can no longer be optimally transmitted from the carriage to the ground surface 8. For this reason, it may be advantageous for safety if an excessively high travel speed is not permitted when the carriage 6 is in translational movement.

[0085] Fig.21 , 22 23 show another alternative way to implement the present invention, but this method can also be combined with the structural and functional principles shown in the previous figures. Figures 12 to 23 The embodiment shown in FIG. 1 is important in that the track gauge SP of the ground milling machine can be changed here by means of the already described translation adjustment of one or more travel devices 6. Here, for these figures, reference is made to the description and explanation of the previous figures, so that the following discussion focuses on the existing differences.

[0086] exist Fig.21 In the case of the ground milling machine, the track gauge SP1 is provided. In this case, the track gauge is determined by the distance between the travel rails of the travel device 6 transverse to the travel direction of the travel device 6. In contrast, in Fig. 22 In the embodiment, the travel device 6 is adjusted outwardly in a translational manner relative to the respective lifting and steering axis H / K transversely to the current direction of travel. As a result, the travel device 6 positioned on the right side of the ground milling machine 1, as viewed in the direction of travel, is offset to the right, and the travel device 6 positioned on the left side of the ground milling machine 1 is offset to the left. In the present embodiment, the offset towards the respective outer side is even so great that, in the projection of the ground milling machine 1 onto a horizontal reference plane, the travel device 6 is located externally next to the ground milling machine 1. As a result, the track gauge SP of the ground milling machine 1 is changed from Fig.21 The track gauge given in SP1 is expanded to Fig. 22 The track gauge is SP2.

[0087] Fig.23 A possible design of the support structure of the travel device 6 on the lifting device 11 is shown in a perspective oblique view, where the corresponding Fig. 22 The lifting column 11 is shown in solid lines in the position corresponding to Fig.21 The corresponding position is indicated by a dotted line in the lifting column. Thus, in this embodiment, the support device 23 is designed so that the travel device 6 can be adjusted in translation, in particular can be moved, in a horizontal plane transversely to the travel direction LF relative to the steering and / or lifting axis H / K. For this purpose, suitable guide devices, such as, for example, guide rails 15', can be provided. For this transverse adjustment in the direction T, a drive device 26 and / or a position sensor 17, a stop 16, etc. can also be provided.

[0088] Fig.23 As shown, it is also possible to provide a plurality of supporting devices functionally in series between the corresponding traveling device 6 and the corresponding lifting column 11, and as in Fig.23 As shown in , for example, in this way, a translation adjustment of the individual travel devices 6 relative to the lifting column 11 and / or relative to the lifting and / or steering axis H / K in the horizontal plane along the travel direction LF and perpendicularly to the travel direction can be achieved. Based on this, the translation adjustments can also be superimposed on each other by means of two support devices.

[0089] In summary, the translational movement of the travel device 6 or the travel devices 6 according to the invention significantly increases the usability of the ground milling machine 1. In particular, the maneuverability and transportability of the ground milling machine are improved.

Claims

1. A ground milling machine (1) comprising a machine frame (3) and at least one travel device at the front viewed in the longitudinal direction (L) of the machine and at least one travel device (6) at the rear viewed in the longitudinal direction (L) of the machine, Each travel device (6) comprises a travel wheel (24) which contacts the ground (8) during the travel operation of the ground milling machine (1), and the travel wheel has a contact surface (29) which is designed to directly contact the ground, or each travel device comprises a crawler track (22) which contacts the ground (8) during the travel operation of the ground milling machine (1) and a drive wheel (19) which is designed to drive the crawler track (22). At least one travel device (6) is designed to be adjustable in height along a lifting axis (H) by means of a lifting device (11) and / or to be rotatable about a steering axis (K) in order to steer the ground milling machine (1); and The at least one traveling device (6) is arranged on the frame (3) via a supporting device (23). It is characterized in that The bearing device (23) is designed such that the travel device (6) can be moved at least partially transversely to the lifting axle (H) and / or the steering axle (K) by means of a translational movement.

2. The ground milling machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The driving wheel (19) is configured to rotate about a driving wheel axis (R1), or The running wheel (24) is configured to rotate around a running wheel axis (R4), and / or The support device (23) is designed so that the travel device (6) can be tilted about the pivot axis (P), and The support device (23) is designed to enable adjustment of the distance (A1, A3, A4) of the drive axle (R1) or the travel axle (R4) and / or the pivot axis (P) relative to the lifting axis (H) and / or the steering axis (K).

3. The ground milling machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: In addition to the crawler track (22) and the drive wheel (19), the travel device (6) includes at least one guide wheel (20) and at least one running roller (21), the guide wheel (20) being configured to be rotatable around a guide wheel axis (R2), and the running roller (21) being configured to be rotatable around a running roller axis (R3), and the support device (23) being configured to enable adjustment of the distance (A2) of the guide wheel axis (R2) and also the running roller axis (R3) relative to the lifting axis (H) and / or the steering axis (K).

4. The ground milling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The supporting device (23) comprises a running gear bracket (14) fixed on a lifting device (11) or a frame (3) and a running gear support (13) fixed on a running device (6); the running gear bracket (14) and the running gear support (13) are movably supported on each other so that the running gear bracket and the running gear support can be adjusted translationally relative to each other.

5. The ground milling machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The chassis support (14) and the chassis mount (13) are movably mounted on one another so that the chassis support and the chassis mount are linearly adjustable relative to one another.

6. The ground milling machine according to claim 4, characterized in that: The supporting device (23) comprises a guide rail (15), the running gear bracket (14) and the running gear support (13) are connected to each other in a form-fitting manner via the guide rail (15), and the running gear bracket (14) and the running gear support (13) can move relative to each other along the guide rail (15).

7. The ground milling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The support device (23) comprises a locking device (25), which can be adjusted between a locking position and a release position, and the locking device (25) blocks the translational movement of the travel device (6) relative to the lifting axis (H) and / or the steering axis (K) in the locking position and allows the translational movement in the release position.

8. The ground milling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The support device (23) comprises a drive device (26) which drives the translational movement of the travel device (6) relative to the lifting axis (H) and / or the steering axis (K).

9. The ground milling machine according to claim 8, characterized in that: The driving device (26) is a hydraulic cylinder.

10. The ground milling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The support device (23) comprises at least one stop (16) for predefining an end position of a translational movement of the travel device (6) relative to the lifting axis (H) and / or the steering axis (K), and there are at least two stops (16) which predefining two end positions opposite to each other on the support device (23).

11. The ground milling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that A position sensor (17) and / or a camera (30) are provided, which determine the position of the travel device (6) relative to the lifting axis (H) and / or relative to the steering axis (K) and / or relative to the support device (23).

12. The ground milling machine according to claim 11, characterized in that The position sensor and / or camera transmits the position to a control device (27).

13. The ground milling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that There are two front and / or two rear travelling devices (6), each of which comprises a lifting device (11) having a lifting axle (H) and / or a steering axle (K) and a support device (23), wherein the support device (23) is designed so that each travelling device (6) can be moved relative to the corresponding lifting axle (H) and / or steering axle (K) by a translational movement.

14. The ground milling machine according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The ground milling machine is a road milling machine or a reinforcement machine or a finishing machine.

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