Method for attaching a milling unit to a soil milling machine and a soil milling machine with a detachable and attachable milling unit

Abstract

Method for removing and attaching a milling unit (3) of a soil milling machine (1) for aligning a detachable milling unit relative to a machine frame of a soil milling machine, wherein a rough alignment of the milling unit relative to the machine frame is carried out by pivoting the milling unit suspended on the machine frame.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to methods for attaching and / or changing a milling unit of a ground milling machine and to a ground milling machine with a removable and attachable or replaceable milling unit according to the independent claims.

[0002] Essential elements of a known soil milling machine are a machine section with a machine frame, a driver's platform, a drive motor, and driving devices driven by the drive motor, such as wheels and / or crawler tracks. The driving devices are connected to the machine frame via height-adjustable lifting columns, so that the distance between the machine frame and the ground can be adjusted vertically by adjusting the lifting columns. Furthermore, a known soil milling machine comprises a milling unit with a milling drum for milling soil material and a milling drum housing for covering the milling drum to the sides and above. The milling unit can be releasably attached to the soil milling machine via a fastening device that holds the milling drum housing. Such a soil milling machine is known, for example, from DE 10 2011 018 222 A1. The invention relates particularly to road milling machines.

[0003] Commonly used soil milling machines are typically used in road and path construction. Soil milling machines of the road cold milling type are used, for example, to mill away a road surface layer for tramway renewal. A key factor in the application spectrum of such a soil milling machine is the width of the milling drum mounted on the soil milling machine. This drum is usually a hollow cylindrical unit with a multitude of milling tools arranged on its outer surface in a conventional manner. The milling drum is typically powered by the drive unit of the soil milling machine, for example, via a mechanical or hydraulic drive train. The milling drum rotates within a milling drum housing around a horizontal axis of rotation running transversely to the working direction and mills soil material while penetrating the subsoil.The milling drum box refers to a housing-like assembly within which the milling drum is arranged, projecting towards the subsoil. The milling drum box prevents milled material from being whirled around uncontrollably during operation and also provides a compartment for controlled milled material guidance. In other words, the milling drum box, which is open towards the ground, partially surrounds the milling drum horizontally and vertically upwards. It is known to design the milling unit as a whole, comprising the milling drum and the milling drum box, so that it can be dismantled from the machine part of the soil milling machine. Dismantling the milling unit may be desirable, for example, if the soil milling machine is to be made lighter, particularly for transport purposes. It goes without saying that the shortest possible working times are desired for dismantling and reassembling the milling unit from / to the machine part.In addition, there is often a need to be able to mill different milling widths with one and the same soil milling machine. For this purpose, it is preferred if different milling units can be attached to the same soil milling machine alternately and quickly exchanged with one another. This particularly applies to the use of so-called large milling machines with a milling unit arranged between the front and rear chassis. The option of dismantling the milling unit as a whole from the machine part is described, for example, in DE 102011 018 222 A1. For this purpose, the milling drum box is detachably connected to the machine part via solid fastening screws and corresponding lock nuts. The disadvantage of this is that the fastening screws are often very difficult to access and, accordingly, other parts of the soil milling machine must first be removed to gain access to the fastening screws.Furthermore, the screws are comparatively large, so correspondingly large forces must be applied for assembly and disassembly. This is particularly challenging in structurally confined spaces. Overall, the time required to remove, install, or replace the milling unit is also comparatively high with this alternative. When reference is made below to removing and installing the milling unit, this equally includes removing and installing one and the same milling unit, as well as replacing the milling unit—i.e., removing a first milling unit and installing a second milling unit.

[0004] The object of the invention is to provide a method and a floor milling machine which, compared to the possibilities known from the prior art, enable a faster and easier attachment of the milling unit to the machine part or machine frame for the operator.

[0005] The problem is solved by a method and a ground milling machine according to one of the independent claims. Preferred developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention provides that a rough alignment according to step A is carried out by swinging the milling unit suspended from the machine frame. The basic idea of ​​this embodiment of the method according to the invention is to use gravity as the driving force for the rough alignment movement. For this purpose, it is therefore necessary to first suspend the milling unit from the machine frame of the floor milling machine. This is expediently done via flexible connections, as described in more detail below. If the machine frame is then raised by extending the lifting columns, the milling unit hangs freely below the machine frame. If defined suspension conditions exist, the suspended milling unit always assumes the same position relative to the machine frame.Defined suspension conditions in this case are essentially characterized by the fact that the suspension points on the milling unit and the machine frame, as well as the suspension elements, particularly their length, are defined. Ideally, the suspension conditions are selected such that the milling unit is already in its final position with respect to its horizontal alignment when reaching the pendulum end position, and the machine frame therefore only needs to be lowered onto the milling unit.

[0007] The swinging therefore particularly preferably comprises the following steps. After the milling unit has been positioned approximately beneath the machine frame of the floor milling machine, a flexible suspension connection is first created between the milling unit and the floor milling machine, in particular the machine frame of the floor milling machine. For this purpose, at least three and in particular four spaced-apart individual attachments are particularly preferably used, which are located in particular in the area of ​​the upper four corners of the milling unit. In this context, flexible is to be understood as meaning that the suspension connection has at least one degree of freedom of movement. Ultimately, the suspension connection is intended to achieve a type of swinging suspension of the milling unit on the machine frame.The flexible suspension connection can therefore, for example, have holding points on the milling unit and the machine frame as well as a connecting structure such as a connecting rod, connecting parts, connecting chains, etc. It is important that the resulting suspension connection allows a certain degree of mobility of the milling unit when suspended from the machine frame. Once the flexible suspension connection has been established, the floor milling machine or the machine frame is then raised by extending the lifting columns until the milling unit is lifted from the ground via the suspension connection. As soon as the milling unit no longer has contact with the ground, it is suspended from the machine frame solely via the suspension connection and then swings into the desired end position, in particular the rough alignment. If the floor milling machine orOnce the machine frame is lowered by retracting the lifting columns, the milling unit initially rests on the ground again, this time in the desired horizontal position relative to the machine frame. The soil milling machine is then lowered further until its connection points for attaching the milling unit rest on the milling unit. In principle, if the above process is carried out with particular precision, it is possible to forgo a further fine alignment step. However, due to existing ground unevenness and other imponderables, it has been shown that a subsequent fine alignment, as described in more detail below, further simplifies the installation process and makes it more reliable.

[0008] The method can also, in addition, relate to a method for attaching / replacing a milling unit of a floor milling machine for aligning a detachable milling unit relative to a machine frame of a floor milling machine. The fundamental challenge when attaching the milling unit to the floor milling machine is to position the milling unit relative to the floor milling machine in which the existing fastening means have a relative position to each other, allowing the milling unit to be attached to the floor milling machine. To achieve this, the two elements, the floor milling machine and the milling unit, must generally be positioned relatively precisely relative to each other.Typically, the milling unit is pre-positioned beneath the machine frame of the floor milling machine, and then the desired final position of the milling unit relative to the floor milling machine is laboriously achieved through time-consuming maneuvering until a final position is reached in which the milling unit can be attached to the floor milling machine using the provided fastening means. The approach of the invention can now be to break down this alignment process into a "pre-adjustment phase" and a "fine adjustment phase" using two alignment devices, thus simplifying it accordingly. The first alignment device is used for rough alignment, and the second alignment device for fine alignment. Accordingly, the essential steps of the method can consist of: a) Roughly aligning the milling unit relative to the machine frame using a first alignment device; and then b) in the fine alignment of the milling unit relative to the machine frame with a second alignment device. Rough alignment refers to alignment movements with which the milling unit is aligned relative to the machine frame of the soil milling machine by a maximum of a few decimeters, in particular a few centimeters, and fine alignment refers in particular to alignment movements with which the milling unit is aligned relative to the machine frame of the soil milling machine by a maximum of a few centimeters, in particular a maximum in the low single-digit range, and in particular by a few millimeters. Rough alignment particularly comprises compensating for a transverse offset, i.e. an offset of the milling unit relative to the soil milling machine in the horizontal plane and perpendicular or transverse to the forward direction of travel orLongitudinal extension of the floor milling machine in the range of maximum + / - 150 mm, in particular + / - 100 mm, and especially + / - 50 mm relative to the end position. Furthermore, rotational position deviations, i.e., rotations of the milling unit in the horizontal plane relative to the end position of maximum + / - 10°, in particular + / - 7°, and especially + / - 4°, are also corrected by the alignment device for rough alignment. The alignment device for fine alignment, on the other hand, preferably compensates for deviations in the horizontal plane of maximum + / - 30 mm, in particular + / - 20 mm, and especially + / - 10 mm relative to the end position and thus affects the final alignment.Gradual alignment steps using individual alignment devices are advantageous in that they allow for particularly efficient and reliable guidance of the two elements, milling unit and floor milling machine, to their desired relative final position. This can reduce, for example, damage and wear to the fastening devices, such as retaining pins, lever elements, etc. Furthermore, the installation process can begin with only very inaccurate positioning of the milling unit relative to the floor milling machine, thus avoiding time-consuming maneuvering work, particularly with the transport unit, as the milling unit is guided step by step to its final fastening position using the first and second alignment devices. The milling unit is then secured using a suitable fastening device, and the functional connections are established.Functional connections are preferably achieved via a quick-release fastener for corresponding line connections. Fastening is preferably achieved via a quick-coupling system driven by at least one actuator, in particular electrically, hydraulically, and / or pneumatically. In particular, the fastening system disclosed in DE 10 2014 011 856 A1 by the applicant can be used to establish the supporting connection. The disclosure of this application is hereby incorporated by reference.

[0009] The first and / or the second alignment device are preferably designed such that, when one element moves (for example the soil milling machine without the milling unit), they guide the relative position of the two elements (soil milling machine without the milling unit and the milling unit) to one another or towards a desired relative position. The movement of one element can therefore also move the other element, or the movement of one element therefore also triggers a movement, in particular a partially different movement, of the other element. In principle, an external drive, for example an external vehicle such as a forklift truck, etc., can be used to drive the movement of an element, with the travel drive of the soil milling machine and / or the height adjustment drive of the lifting columns being preferably used here.Preferably, the rough alignment and / or the fine alignment are thus performed by moving the soil milling machine relative to the subsoil. It is particularly preferred if the rough alignment is performed by a forward and / or reverse movement or a stroke adjustment of the soil milling machine, and the fine alignment is performed by lowering the soil milling machine or the machine frame.

[0010] Ideally, the rough alignment and fine alignment should be carried out by means that allow the floor milling machine and the milling unit to be in contact with each other.

[0011] In step b), the floor milling machine is particularly preferably adjusted vertically relative to the milling unit, in particular the machine frame of the floor milling machine is lowered onto the milling unit, in particular by retracting the lifting columns. Here, too, the use of sliding guides, especially between the milling unit and the machine frame of the floor milling machine, is particularly preferred for fine alignment, particularly along vertically extending sliding slopes. Conical wedge surfaces with vertically extending longitudinal axes are particularly preferred here.

[0012] Each alignment step, "rough alignment" and "fine alignment," is preferably assigned a separate drive. This allows for a particularly reliable separation of these two steps and, at the same time, enables particularly efficient attachment of the milling unit, as it reliably enables the milling unit to reach the desired relative end positions relative to the floor milling machine.

[0013] A further aspect of the invention relates to a ground milling machine, in particular for carrying out the method according to the invention. Therefore, for the description of this aspect, reference is made in full to the statements regarding the method according to the invention.

[0014] A generic soil milling machine comprises a machine frame, a drive motor, travel devices driven by the drive motor, which are connected to the machine frame via height-adjustable lifting columns, and a milling unit with a milling drum for milling soil material and a milling drum box for covering the milling drum to the sides and top. The milling unit is detachably attachable or secured to the machine frame of the soil milling machine via a fastening device. To improve the installation process of the milling unit, a first alignment device is provided according to the characterizing part of claim 11. Accordingly, the first alignment device comprises a flexible suspension connection between the milling unit and the soil milling machine, in particular the machine frame, in particular in the form of ropes, chains, or straps.For the rough alignment of the milling unit relative to the machine frame in particular, a suspension connection is provided, which allows the milling unit to be temporarily suspended from the floor milling machine, particularly below the machine frame. If the milling unit is suspended from the machine frame without contact with the ground, it swings into a defined position. This requires that the suspension points of the suspension connection and at least the length of the suspension elements are defined. If the milling unit is lowered onto the ground by retracting the lifting columns after reaching this defined swing position, it thus assumes a defined relative position in relation to the horizontal plane relative to the machine frame of the floor milling machine.If the machine frame is lowered further to the ground until it reaches the milling unit, the fastening connection can often already be made or, preferably, the second alignment device for fine adjustment works then or ideally already during the lowering.

[0015] It is therefore preferred if the first alignment device is a suspended swing, via which the milling unit can be suspended from the machine frame of the soil milling machine. The suspended swing can have the basic structure described above. It is preferred if parts of the suspended swing are removable and are only attached between the milling unit and the machine frame for the assembly process. Alternatively, a storage space can also be provided, in particular on the machine frame, into which the connecting elements of the suspended swing, which have been detached from the milling unit, can be sunk, for example, pivoted. The advantage of this variant with a suspended swing is that the drive for rough alignment is achieved via the acting force of gravity. Therefore, no separate drive is required for the actual adjustment of the milling unit relative to the machine frame of the soil milling machine.

[0016] According to the invention, it can be provided that a first and a second alignment device are present, which are designed to align the detached milling unit relative to the machine frame for fastening the milling unit to the machine frame, wherein the first and the second alignment device are designed differently. The two alignment devices are therefore devices that influence the relative position of the milling unit to be fastened to the ground milling machine and the ground milling machine and in particular its machine frame and in particular direct them towards an end position in which the milling unit can be fastened to the ground milling machine via a suitable fastening device. According to the invention, the two alignment devices preferably act functionally independently of one another.The two alignment devices thus have different means, particularly acting between the milling unit and the ground milling machine, which align the milling unit with the ground milling machine without the milling unit, particularly one after the other. This makes it possible, for example, to graduate the achieved degree of alignment or the possible extent of alignment, which in particular reduces wear on fastening devices and simultaneously reduces the time required for the installation process.

[0017] In particular, with regard to the meaning of the terms “rough alignment” and “fine alignment”, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0018] Ideally, the first and second alignment devices each comprise means on the milling unit and the machine frame that are designed to engage with each other during alignment. Such means can be, on the one hand, protruding elements, particularly in the vertical direction, such as support blocks, bolts, pins, etc., and receiving elements, such as recesses, bores, sliding devices, such as sliding bevels, etc. In principle, rail systems can also be used.

[0019] Alignment is particularly reliable when the first and / or second alignment devices are form-fitting devices, in particular with sliding surfaces, particularly in the form of conical and / or wedge surfaces. A wedge surface is a surface that runs obliquely in a vertical or horizontal reference plane, i.e. in particular at an angle to the forward / backward direction of the floor milling machine or to a vertical axis. A counter element (on the milling unit side) strikes this surface (e.g. on the machine frame side). If the wedge surface is then moved relative to the counter element in a forward / backward direction or in the vertical direction, a type of wedge-thrust drive is created, which also moves the other element.

[0020] Such devices are particularly robust, simple in design, and deliver reliable results. The first alignment device (rough alignment) can have wedge surfaces acting essentially in the horizontal direction and thus essentially serve to compensate for transverse offset and / or twisting, as already described above. The wedge surfaces thus run along the longitudinal extent of the floor milling machine, preferably toward the center of the machine. For details, please refer to the above explanations.

[0021] Specifically, the first alignment device can, for example, have form-locking elements, in particular wedge wall elements, projecting in the vertical direction, wherein the counter elements are provided, in particular for contact with the wedge wall elements, in particular on their inner surfaces, wherein the form-locking elements are arranged either on the machine frame and the counter elements on the milling unit or vice versa.

[0022] Preferably, the wedge wall elements are arranged in pairs opposite one another on the long sides of the floor milling machine. The wedge surfaces preferably extend toward one another (particularly in the horizontal plane) in or against the forward direction of travel of the floor milling machine, so that the horizontal distance between the wedge walls tapers in or against the forward direction of travel of the floor milling machine. This creates a horizontally funnel-like overall structure, which can compensate for transverse offsets and / or rotations of the milling unit relative to the machine frame to a comparatively large extent. The wedge surfaces can extend toward one another in a curved, stepped, or straight manner.

[0023] The second alignment device (fine alignment) preferably has wedge surfaces acting essentially in the vertical direction, such as upstanding or projecting conical surfaces. These vertical wedge surfaces are thus at an angle to a vertical reference axis. If the wedge surfaces are thus in engagement with counter-elements (as already described above for the first alignment device) and the machine frame of the floor milling machine is lowered by retracting the lifting columns, the counter-elements thus run along the wedge surfaces, ultimately changing the relative position of the machine frame to the milling unit. The counter-elements and the wedge surfaces are positioned and designed accordingly so that the milling unit and the floor milling machine reach the desired end position for fastening the milling unit by the fastening device.Using the height adjustment of the floor milling machine for fine alignment is also advantageous in that this movement can be controlled very precisely.

[0024] Specifically, the second alignment device can preferably have vertically projecting pins or teeth, preferably conical pins, along its longitudinal axis, and receiving bores or recesses as counter elements, wherein the pins or teeth are arranged either on the machine frame and the receiving bores or recesses on the milling unit, or vice versa. In this regard, reference is also made in particular to DE 10 2014 011 856 A1 and the basic arrangement described therein.

[0025] A particularly preferred development of the invention provides that the first alignment device and the second alignment device are functionally arranged in series. This means that for the entire installation process, a rough alignment is first performed using the first alignment device. The second alignment device can then still be non-functional. Once a desired end position of the milling unit relative to the ground milling machine is reached using the first alignment device, the second alignment device acts, for example by initiating a different movement of the ground milling machine relative to the milling unit. For this purpose, the correspondingly acting means of the first alignment device can optionally remain engaged or disengaged.The advantage is that the two alignment devices can be designed with graduated limits in terms of their maximum tolerable limits, resulting in very fast and very precise alignment of the milling unit relative to the floor milling machine.

[0026] To achieve a functional arrangement in series, it is preferred if the vertical height of the vertically projecting form-locking elements of the first alignment device is greater than the vertical height of the pins or teeth of the second alignment device. This allows only the first alignment device to be selectively engaged by adjusting the height of the lifting columns, and only subsequently, by further retracting the lifting columns, can the second alignment device be engaged additionally or alternatively.

[0027] Finally, according to the invention, it is also preferred if the milling drum box is connected to the machine frame via a quick-coupling system that can be operated from the operator's platform, in particular locked and unlocked, and / or if a connecting block is provided for simultaneously connecting several fluid and / or supply connections between the milling unit and the rest of the ground milling machine. This can further reduce the time required for attaching and removing the milling unit. A corresponding quick-coupling system for attaching the milling unit to the ground milling machine (corresponding to the fastening device) is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2014 011 856 A1.

[0028] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. They show schematically: Fig. 1 a side view of a floor milling machine; Fig. 2 a partial cross-sectional view through the floor milling machine with separate milling unit; Fig. 3a to 3k Sequence of a change process in side view; Fig. 4a to 4c Detailed views for rough alignment with a first alignment device in a view from below of the milling unit and the underside of the floor milling machine; Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b Detailed views for fine alignment with a second alignment device in perspective view of the milling unit and the left side of the floor milling machine (section) from the front; Fig. 6a Cross-sectional view from Fig. 2 with milling unit pre-positioned relative to the machine part; Fig. 6b Enlarged section of area A from Fig. 6a; Fig. 7a Cross-sectional view from Fig. 2 with fastening device in locked position; Fig. 7b Enlarged section of area A from Fig. 7a; Fig. 8a to 8f Sequence of an assembly process with an alignment swing.

[0029] Identical components are identified by the same reference numerals in the figures, although not every component is necessarily identified repeatedly in each figure.

[0030] Fig. Figure 1 shows a generic ground milling machine 1, in this case a cold road milling machine. Specifically, it is a large milling machine of the center rotor type. The essential elements of the ground milling machine are a machine section 2 and a milling unit 3. The machine section 2 comprises a machine frame 6, supported by travel devices 4 via lifting columns 5, with a drive motor 7, a control platform 8, and a milled material conveyor system 9. The lifting columns 5 enable the height of the machine frame 6 to be adjusted vertically relative to the subsoil. The drive motor 7 supplies the drive energy required for the travel drive and the drive of the milling device, which is explained in more detail below. During operation, the ground milling machine 1 is operated by an operator from the control platform 8. During operation, the ground milling machine 1 travels over the subsoil to be worked in the working direction a, milling the milled material in the process.This is specifically achieved with the milling unit 3, comprising a milling drum housing 10 and a milling drum 11 arranged inside the milling drum housing 10. The milling drum housing 10 comprises a front wall, a rear wall, a cover located above the milling drum 11, and covers on the right and left sides. The milling drum housing 10 is open towards the subsoil so that the milling drum 11 positioned inside the milling drum housing 10 can penetrate the subsoil from the milling drum housing 10. For milling operation, the milling drum 11 rotates about a horizontal rotation axis R running transversely to the working direction a.

[0031] The milling unit 3 is designed as a modular unit that can be dismantled from the machine part 2 of the floor milling machine 1, for example for transport or replacement purposes. For this purpose, a Fig. 1, a fastening device 12, shown only very schematically, is provided for connecting the milling unit 3 to the machine part 2. The structure and function of this fastening device 12 will be explained in more detail in the following figures using examples. In the simplest case, however, this can be screw bolts and corresponding nuts. It goes without saying that for the assembly / disassembly of the milling unit 3, the drive train, which in the present embodiment is partially designed as a belt drive, must be disconnected and reconnected after the milling unit 3 has been installed. Alternatively, a drive connection to a hydraulic system is also possible.

[0032] Fig. 2 shows the state before installation of the dismantled milling unit 3 with the milled material conveyor removed before installation of the milling unit 3 on the machine part 2 in the direction of the arrows to the section line II from Fig. 1. In the present embodiment, the milling unit 3 is pushed via a special transport unit 13 in direction b from a position located laterally next to the machine part 2, transversely to the working direction a, below the machine part 2 between the front and rear carriages 4. The machine frame 6 of the machine part 2 is moved vertically upwards into a change position via the lifting columns 5, so that there is sufficient space below the machine frame 6 of the machine part 2. The machine part 2 and the milling unit 3 are very roughly aligned with each other accordingly.

[0033] The transport unit 13 comprises, for example, a base plate T1 on which a support device T2 is mounted for receiving and stabilizing the position of the milling unit 3. For this purpose, vertically projecting support walls are provided, in particular, which stabilize the front of the milling unit 3. Furthermore, an upstanding transport arm T3 is provided, which has a corresponding counterpart T4 for the engagement of a load arm of a swap body vehicle. On the front side of the base plate T1 opposite the transport arm T3, there are rollers T5 that can roll on the ground U and thus enable easier movement of the transport unit 13. The transport unit 13 further comprises a vertically projecting wall towards the transport arm T3, which serves as an insertion limit T6.The wall extends so far vertically that it does not fit into the area below the machine frame of the floor milling machine, even when the lifting columns of the floor milling machine are in the exchange position. Within the scope of the present invention, however, it is essentially important that the milling unit is initially positioned somehow below the floor milling machine 1. The transport unit 13 is therefore also to be understood as optional here.

[0034] The Fig. 3a to 3k illustrate further details of the present example of a method according to the invention for installing or replacing the milling unit 3. For further explanation, reference is also made to the individual steps listed in the general part of the description. For better understanding, a preliminary removal of a milling unit 3 is also shown.

[0035] The starting point is the Fig. 3a. The soil milling machine 1 is in transport position with respect to the height position of the lifting columns. In this position, the soil milling machine can, for example, travel to a job site. The milling drum does not penetrate the subsoil. The machine frame is located at a height HT in the vertical direction above the essentially flat and horizontal subsoil U. If the dismantling of the milling unit is now initiated, the lifting columns are optionally extended further in the direction of the arrow until the change position according to Fig. 3b is reached and the machine frame has a distance HW to the ground U. The distance HW is greater than the distance HT. In this state, the center of gravity of the soil milling machine is even higher than in the transport position. Therefore, a control unit S1 can also be provided which, when the height adjustment is exceeded beyond the transport position or when the change position is reached, only allows limited travel operation, in particular with regard to the maximum permissible travel speed and / or distance. Restricted is to be understood as meaning that the maximum possible travel speed is significantly lower than possible in transport travel. In addition or alternatively, the maximum possible travel distance in this state can also be limited by the control unit S1. For reasons of clarity, the control unit is shown as an example only in Fig. 3b, but concerns the entire process of Fig. 3a to 3k. This "overtravel" of the height adjustment compared to the transport height HT is optional.

[0036] The ground clearance now achieved below the milling unit is now sufficiently large that the transport unit can be brought under the milling unit, for example from the side transverse to the longitudinal direction of the ground milling machine ( Fig. 3c). From this relative position of transport unit 13 and ground milling machine 1, the lifting columns are now retracted in the direction of the arrow, whereby the distance between the machine frame and the ground surface is reduced to the distance HB, until the milling unit, as shown in Fig. 3d, rests on the transport unit. The distance HB is usually between the distances HT and HW. In this state, the existing connection fastenings of the milling unit to the rest of the floor milling machine, usually to its machine frame, are now loosened. Furthermore, functional connections, such as connections to the floor milling machine's hydraulic system, electrical connections, and drive connections, are removed, for example, by removing drive belts or reconnecting the corresponding hydraulic connections.

[0037] The lifting columns can now be extended again in the direction of the arrow to reach the distance HW, whereby the milling unit remains separate from the floor milling machine on the transport unit 13 ( Fig. 3e). The transport unit is then pulled out from under the soil milling machine together with the milling unit 13 and can be loaded onto a truck, for example. Fig. 3f now shows the state of the ground milling machine immediately after the removal of the transport unit 13. It is now possible, on the one hand, to lower the ground milling machine back to the height HT and, for example, to load it onto a transport vehicle if only the removal and installation of the milling unit 13 is desired. The installation of the same or another milling unit is also carried out at least from the Fig. 3f shown situation, ie the floor milling machine 1 without milling unit 3 is placed on a preferably horizontal and flat ground U in the change position HW according to Fig. 3f, whether at the same location or at a different location. However, the method according to the invention also encompasses variants in which the road milling machine is extended to its transport height HT or, for example, drives onto soil blocks to increase ground clearance.

[0038] If the change position with the ground clearance HW is reached (either by an “overlift”, by driving onto ground blocks or, if sufficient, by raising the machine frame to “only” the transport height), the transport unit 13 including the milling unit 3 can be moved under the ground milling machine 1 in the area between the front and rear chassis, as shown in Fig. 3g. A key factor in connecting the milling unit 3 to the rest of the floor milling machine is that the milling unit 3 is correctly and precisely aligned relative to the floor milling machine 1, so that the fastening devices provided between the milling unit 3 and the floor milling machine 1 can engage optimally and with as little wear as possible. For this purpose, a two-stage alignment device is provided, described in more detail below. Fig. In this context, however, Figure 3g already clarifies that a first rough alignment is carried out after an initial slight lowering, whereby corresponding guide means on the milling unit 3 and on the ground milling machine 1 of a first alignment device come into horizontal overlap with each other, and by a subsequent forward and / or backward movement of the ground milling machine in and / or against the direction of the arrow, whereby the milling unit 3 is roughly positioned relative to the ground milling machine. By a subsequent further lowering, the guide means on the milling unit 3 and the ground milling machine 1 of a second alignment device come into horizontal and vertical overlap, whereby a final fine alignment of the milling unit 3 relative to the ground milling machine 1 takes place. The lifting columns are now retracted until the ground milling machine almost or actually rests on the milling unit ( Fig. 3h; height HB). In this position, supporting and functional connections are established between the milling unit 3 and the ground milling machine 1, including, for example, the connection of hydraulic supply lines, electrical connections, and / or drive connections, such as, in particular, a belt connection for a drive belt transmission for driving the rotation of the milling drum of the milling unit. Alternatively, it is also possible to only establish the supporting connections or the fastening of the milling unit 3 to the ground milling machine 1 in this step, so that the milling unit can be lifted by the ground milling machine 1, and to close the other connections later.

[0039] Subsequently, according to Fig. 3i the floor milling machine 1, this time including the mounted milling unit 3, is raised by extending the lifting columns until the height HW is reached. Finally, the transport unit 13 is removed from under the floor milling machine (if present). Fig. 3j) as well as lowering or retracting the lifting columns to the height HT (if an "overstroke" has been taken) so that regular operation of the soil milling machine is possible again.

[0040] The one in the Fig. The process shown in Figures 3a to 3k is merely illustrative. An advantageous aspect of the Fig. 3a to 3k is that, on the one hand, no height adjustment of the transport unit 13 is required for the removal and installation of the milling unit and, on the other hand, the floor milling machine 1 itself achieves sufficient ground clearance by extending the lifting columns into the change position, that the transport unit 13 can be moved under the machine and that the milling unit can also be attached to the floor milling machine.

[0041] A variant encompassed by the invention further comprises the use of longer lifting columns or lifting columns that allow a greater lift adjustment than previously known lifting columns. However, due to the design-related tendency of the machine to tip when the lifting columns are extended, the height HW is reserved for the attachment and removal process and is not intended for regular travel at the maximum height HT of the soil milling machine. This can be ensured, for example, via the aforementioned control unit S1. Also included are variants in which the ground clearance of the machine frame of the soil milling machine is improved by the soil milling machine itself driving onto soil blocks or similar devices.

[0042] The Fig. 4a to 4c illustrate the operation of the first alignment device A1 for rough alignment. Fig. 4a to 4c show the area between the front and rear landing gears in a view from below, ie from the ground U. Fig. 4a corresponds to the Fig. 3g. For further guidance, please refer to the Fig. 4a to 4c also indicate the forward direction or working direction a of the soil milling machine.

[0043] Key elements of the first alignment device A1 are wedge surfaces A1.1 arranged on the machine frame and wedge surfaces A1.2 arranged on the milling unit, which together form a form-locking device, with a pair of wedge surfaces A1.1 and A1.2 arranged on the right and left sides. The wedge surfaces A1.1 protrude vertically downwards from the machine frame, and the wedge surfaces A1.2 protrude vertically upwards from the milling unit 3, specifically from the milling drum housing. If the machine frame of the ground milling machine 1 is lowered, the wedge surfaces A1.1 and A1.2 overlap with respect to a fictitious horizontal plane. It is essential that the elements of the second alignment device A2, described in more detail below, are then still "overlap-free," i.e., do not overlap in a fictitious horizontal plane. Fig. 4a to 4c, the milling unit 3 rests on the transport device. If the floor milling machine 1 now moves in the opposite direction of arrow a, i.e., in this specific case, it moves backward, the wedge surfaces A1.1 and A1.2 move closer together. In the horizontal plane, the wedge surfaces each extend essentially in a straight line, obliquely to the center in the working direction a or in the forward direction. Furthermore, the wedge surfaces A1.1 and A1.2 of a pair are complementary to each other.

[0044] In Fig. 4b, the wedge surfaces A1.1 and A1.2 have now come so close that the pair on the right side (with respect to the view in the Fig. 4a to 4c) are already in contact with each other. This is not yet the case for the left pair. The milling unit 3 has Fig. 4b, the position shown thus exhibits a transverse offset to the right. As the floor milling machine continues to move, the milling unit is pushed further to the left by the action of the wedge surfaces, gradually compensating for the transverse offset.

[0045] The final position of this coarse centering is in Fig. 4c. The pairings of the wedge surfaces A1.1 and A1.2 now fit together in a form-fitting manner on both the right and left sides. If the floor milling machine were to be moved further backward, it would thus carry the milling unit 3 along the adjacent wedge surfaces, not least due to the stop surfaces extending horizontally transverse to direction a, adjacent to the wedge surfaces A1.1 and A1.2.

[0046] The Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b show the functioning of the second alignment device A2, whereby in addition also the further Fig. 6a to 7b. Essential elements of the second alignment device A2 are centering cones 30 projecting vertically upwards from the milling unit, which are also arranged at a distance from one another transversely to the longitudinal direction of the floor milling machine. To accommodate the centering cones 30, Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b There are mounting holes not visible. Fig. 5a and Fig. 5b show the milling unit still resting on the transport unit 13, although this is not shown in these figures for reasons of clarity. Once the pre-centering or pre-positioning with the alignment device A1 is completed, the tips of the centering cones are reliably located within the circumference of the mounting holes on the machine frame, viewed in the vertical direction. If the lifting columns are lowered further, the centering cones engage with the mounting holes, allowing the edges of the holes to slide off the centering cones. This ultimately precisely aligns the relative position of the milling unit 3 and the floor milling machine 1, allowing the milling unit 3 to be attached to the floor milling machine, for example, using the attachment device described below. During the fine alignment, the sliding surfaces of the first alignment device A1 also slide past each other in the vertical direction.It is therefore important that the wedge surfaces of the first alignment device are designed to allow for this movement. This can be achieved, for example, by having a straight vertical design.

[0047] For further clarification, Fig. 6a shows the milling unit 3 in the position pre-positioned by the first alignment device A1 below the machine part 2, whereby the transport unit 13 as well as the lifting columns 5 and the driving device 4 have been omitted for reasons of clarity. Fig. 6b also outputs the area A Fig. 6a in enlarged view. Fig. 6a shows the arrangement seen in working direction a.

[0048] Essential for the attachment of the milling unit 3 to the machine part 2 or machine frame 6 is the attachment device 12, the essential details of which can be found in particular in Fig. 6b. The fastening device 12, with its individual elements, is mounted partially on the milling unit 3 and partially on the machine part 2, either fixedly or movably. Complete disassembly of parts of the fastening device 12 from the milling unit 3 and from the machine part 2 is not provided, so that the elements of the fastening device 12 are arranged captively on parts 2 and 3.

[0049] In the present exemplary embodiment, the fastening device 12 specifically comprises a locking element 14 and a counter-element 15. The locking element 14 is designed as a single-armed pivot lever which is pivotably mounted on the machine frame 6 and which can be pivoted about a pivot axis R1 running horizontally in the working direction a between the Fig. 6b and the release position described in more detail below, for example Fig. 7b, is movable, present pivotable, at its end opposite the bearing end to the rotation axis R1, there is a locking projection 17 on the locking lever 16, which in Fig. 6b protrudes from the adjacent surface of the lever element out of the image plane toward the viewer. It can also be provided that the locking projection is arranged between two similarly designed locking levers 16 in the form of a bearing fork.

[0050] The adjustment of the locking lever 16, or the locking element 14, from the Fig. 6b specified release position in the Fig. The locking position shown in Fig. 7b is achieved automatically, driven by a compression spring 19 arranged within a drive element 18. The compression spring 19 thus presses the locking lever towards the locking position, in other words, acts in the direction of the locking position. To adjust the locking element 14 to the release position according to Fig. 6b, however, hydraulic pressure is applied to the drive element 18, which is designed as a hydraulic cylinder-piston unit, via a Fig. 6a indicated hydraulic circuit 20 with a corresponding valve 21. This overall arrangement thus ensures that in the case of a lack of pressure the locking lever 16 automatically returns to the locking position according to Fig. 4b, driven by the compression spring 19. The hydraulic cylinder is pivotally connected to the machine frame 2 on the cylinder side and to the locking lever 16 on the piston side. In this embodiment, the drive device is thus arranged entirely on the side of the machine part 2 of the ground milling machine 1.

[0051] The fastening device 12 further comprises the counter element 15, which is designed as a fixed retaining hook protruding from a top wall 22 of the milling drum box with a web 23 projecting vertically and a locking projection 24 projecting vertically in the head region of the web 23. The locking projection 24 is engaged behind the locking projection 17 of the locking lever 16 for fastening the milling unit 3 to the machine part 2, as seen from the machine part 2, as shown in particular in Fig. 7b. The stop surface 24' on the locking projection 24 for the locking projection 17 of the locking lever 16 extends at an angle α to the horizontal plane and slopes downwards vertically in the pivoting direction of the locking lever 16 toward the locking position. This causes the milling unit 3 to be pressed vertically upwards against the machine part 2, so that the special design of the stop surface 25 with the inclination, in conjunction with the locking projection 17, acts as a clamping device 51 between the milling unit 3 and the machine part 2.

[0052] The Fig. 6a and Fig. 7a further illustrate that the fastening device 12 comprises a total of two locking elements 14 and counter-elements 15, each with a drive element 18 according to the above explanations. The engagement or stop points between the respective locking element 14 and the respective counter-element 15 are arranged as far apart from each other as possible transversely to the working direction towards the outer sides of the ground milling machine 1. It is now essential that the two drive elements 18 are connected in parallel via the hydraulic circuit 20 and both are controlled simultaneously and with the same effect via the valve 21. A pressure application in the Fig. 6a thus causes the two locking levers 16 to pivot towards each other. The fastening device is operated via a suitable switch not shown in the figures, for example in the operator's station 8 and / or on the side of the ground milling machine 1 near the milling unit 3.

[0053] The second alignment device A2 is provided separately and spatially separated from the fastening device 12. This comprises on the side of the machine part 2 a hollow cylindrical receiving opening 27 or pin receptacle and on the side of the milling unit 3 as a counter element the mandrel 28 or pin projecting in the direction of the machine part 2, i.e. in the vertical direction upwards, with a cylindrical base part 29 and a centering cone 30 sitting on the base part and tapering to a point towards the top. If, for fastening the milling unit 3 to the machine part 2, the milling unit 3 and the machine part 2 are now removed from the Fig. 6b shown position to the one in Fig. 7b, the centering cone 30 initially moves with its tip into the area of ​​the receiving opening 27. In the event of slightly inaccurate relative alignment of the milling unit 3 with respect to the machine part 2, the centering cone 30 can slide with its outer surface onto the edge of the receiving opening 27 and thus trigger exact positioning of the milling unit 3 with respect to the machine part 2. In the area of ​​the centering cone 30, the mandrel 28 therefore has play in the receiving opening 27, which becomes smaller with increasing adjustment movement of the machine part 2 in the direction of the milling unit 3. If the cylindrical base part 29 now also slides into the receiving opening 27 during continued insertion movement, a positive connection acting transversely to the vertical insertion direction is achieved between the outer circumferential surface of the base part 29 and the inner circumferential surface of the receiving opening 27, so that a positive connection is produced in the horizontal plane.In the direction of the horizontal plane, the milling unit 3 is then positioned with virtually no play relative to the machine part 2 due to this positive locking. This effect is particularly important in that the positive locking in the direction of the horizontal plane created by the centering and positive locking device 26 of the second alignment device A2 relieves the load on the fastening device 12 to the extent that it no longer needs to ensure a positional fixation between the milling unit 3 and the machine part 2 in the direction of the horizontal plane. Thus, the fastening device 12 only needs to apply clamping forces in the vertical direction to secure the milling unit 3 to the machine part 2.Due to this functional separation between vertical and horizontal securing, the fastening forces to be applied by the fastening device 12 are comparatively low, so that the fastening device does not have to be particularly solid overall, and the tightening forces to be achieved can also be relatively low. Fig. 6a and Fig. 7a illustrate that the centering and form-locking device 26 is also present multiple times between the milling unit 3 and the machine part 2, specifically twice in the figures. It is also essential that the centering and form-locking device 26 is spaced further outward in the horizontal plane relative to the longitudinal center axis in the working direction a than the fastening device 12. By arranging the centering and form-locking device 26 as far as possible from the outer sides and thus as far apart as possible from one another, optimal securing in the direction of the horizontal plane is achieved.

[0054] A summary of the figures makes it clear that the present overall system enables a milling unit 3 to be attached and removed from the floor milling machine 1 very quickly and reliably. It goes without saying that the specific design and arrangement, in particular of the alignment devices A1 and A2, can vary as long as the effects described above are achieved. For example, the arrangement of the individual elements of the respective alignment devices A1 and / or A2 on the machine frame and on the milling unit 3 can be reversed. Likewise, it can be provided that the wedge surfaces are designed to converge against the forward direction of the machine. Furthermore, the specific design of the fastening device can vary. In particular, the invention also expressly encompasses variants in which the milling unit is connected to the machine frame via known screw bolt connections.However, an automatically operated fastening device is preferred, particularly with regard to ease of use and shortened conversion time.

[0055] The Fig. 8a to 8f illustrate an alternative embodiment of a first alignment device. The core idea of ​​the embodiment mentioned therein is to temporarily suspend the milling unit 3 in the manner of a swing for rough alignment on the machine frame of the floor milling machine 1. For this purpose, the first alignment device A1 comprises several fastening points A1.3 on the milling unit 3 and several fastening points A1.4 on the machine frame of the floor milling machine. The fastening points A1.3 and A1.4 serve to connect to a connecting element A1.5. In each case, one fastening point A1.3 is preferably connected to one fastening point A1.4 via a connecting element A1.5 (wherein in the Fig. 8a to 8f only the two connecting elements A1.5 present on the right-hand side as seen in the working direction are visible; in the present exemplary embodiment, a corresponding pair of connecting devices A1.5 is also provided on the left-hand side). The entire alignment device in the present exemplary embodiment thus comprises a total of four such individual connections, so that the milling unit 3 can be suspended from the machine frame of the floor milling machine 1 via four of the connecting elements A1.5. It is essential that the connecting elements A1.5 are connected to the fastening points A1.3 and / or A1.4 and / or are designed in such a way that they allow movement by at least one degree of freedom or represent an at least partially flexible connection. This enables the milling unit, if the machine frame is made of the Fig. 8b shown position by extending the lifting columns into the Fig. 8c, the milling unit 3 is moved relative to the machine frame in the direction of arrow c (and in Fig. 8c also towards the viewer) and thereby assumes a defined relative position with respect to the machine frame of the floor milling machine 1. It is understood that the connecting elements A1.5 have a defined length for this purpose.

[0056] Once the pendulum movement is complete, the machine frame is lowered by retracting the lifting columns until the milling unit 3 rests, for example, on the floor (or optionally on a transport device located below). This relieves the load on the connecting elements A1.5 and allows them to be dismantled or stowed away, for example. If the machine frame is now lowered further by retracting the lifting columns, it rests on the milling unit 3 from above according to Fig.8e or approaches it so closely that the milling unit 3 can be attached to the machine frame via the fastening device 12. Once this is completed, the floor milling machine 1 can return to a transport height by extending the lifting columns and travel to its work location.

[0057] In this alternative to the first alignment device A1, the fine alignment can be performed, for example, with the second alignment device A2 described above. The fastening device 12 can also be implemented, for example, in the manner described above.

Claims

[1] Method for removing and installing a milling unit (3) of a floor milling machine (1) for aligning a detachable milling unit relative to a machine frame of a floor milling machine, wherein a rough alignment of the milling unit relative to the machine frame is carried out by swinging the milling unit suspended on the machine frame. [2] Method according to claim 1, characterized by that the milling unit (3) is suspended from the machine frame of the floor milling machine (1) via flexible connections. [3] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in order to swing out the milling unit (3) suspended on the machine frame, the machine frame is raised by extending lifting columns so that the milling unit (3) hangs freely below the machine frame. [4] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat under defined hanging conditions, in which the suspension points on the milling unit and on the machine frame as well as the length of the hanging elements are specified, the hanging milling unit always assumes the same position relative to the machine frame. [5] Method according to the preceding claim, characterized by that dowsing involves the following steps: - Placing the milling unit approximately below the machine frame of the floor milling machine and then establishing a flexible suspension connection between the milling unit and the floor milling machine, in particular the machine frame of the floor milling machine; - Lifting the soil milling machine and swinging the milling unit suspended from the machine frame; - Lowering the soil milling machine onto the milling unit. [6] Method according to claim 5, characterized bythat the lifting and lowering of the soil milling machine is carried out by extending and retracting the lifting columns of the soil milling machine. [7] Method according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by that the lowering takes place until the floor milling machine rests on the milling unit with its connection points for fastening the milling unit. [8] Method according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized by that by retracting the lifting columns and lowering the milling unit onto the ground, the connecting elements between the milling unit and the ground milling machine are relieved of pressure so that they can be dismantled. [9] Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a fine alignment of the milling unit relative to the machine frame is additionally carried out with a second alignment device. [10] Method according to claim 9, characterized bythat the rough alignment and / or the fine alignment are carried out by moving the soil milling machine relative to the ground subsoil. [11] Soil milling machine, comprising - a machine frame (6); - a drive motor (7); - travel devices (4) driven by the drive motor (7) and connected to the machine frame (6) via height-adjustable lifting columns; and - a milling unit (3) with a milling drum (11) for milling soil material and a milling drum box (10) for covering the milling drum (11) to the sides and upwards, wherein the milling unit (3) can be detachably fastened to the machine frame of the soil milling machine (1) via a fastening device (12), characterized bythat a first alignment device is provided which is designed to align the milling unit relative to the machine frame for fastening the milling unit to the machine frame, wherein the first alignment device comprises a flexible suspension connection between the milling unit and the floor milling machine, in particular the machine frame, in particular in the form of ropes, chains or straps. [12] Soil milling machine (1) according to claim 11, characterized by that the first alignment device is a hanging swing, via which the milling unit can be suspended from the machine frame of the floor milling machine. [13] Soil milling machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized by that parts of the hanging swing are removable and are only attached between the milling unit and the machine frame for the assembly process. [14] Soil milling machine (1) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized bythat there is a storage space on the machine frame into which the connecting elements of the hanging swing that have been detached from the milling unit can be sunk, for example swung in. [15] Soil milling machine (1) according to one of claims 11 to 14, characterized by that the milling unit (3) can be suspended from the machine frame via a total of four connecting elements. [16] Soil milling machine (1) according to claim 15, characterized by that the connecting elements are connected to the fastening points in such a way and / or are designed in such a way that they allow movement by at least one degree of freedom.

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