Rear-mounted snow blower for snow removal

Abstract

A rear-mounted snow groomer for snow surface preparation, which can be attached to the rear of a snow groomer in towing operation, with at least one milling shaft which is rotatably arranged in a milling box which has a housing wall surrounding the milling shaft in an arc shape, and with a finisher arrangement which is arranged behind the milling box to compact and smooth a prepared snow surface, wherein an actuating element is assigned to the milling box behind the milling shaft which can be moved between a functional position extending the housing wall and a release position, is known. According to the invention, the actuating element is designed as a linearly adjustable actuator, and the linear actuator is arranged inclined against a drag direction on the milling box such that the linear actuator can be displaced in a plane that is inclined relative to a vertical against the drag direction. Use for snow groomers in snow surface preparation and shaping

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rear-mounted snow groomer for snow surface preparation, which can be attached to the rear of a snow groomer in towing operation, with at least one milling shaft which is rotatably arranged in a milling box which has a housing wall surrounding the milling shaft in an arc shape in cross-section, and with a finisher arrangement which is arranged behind the milling box in the direction of towing to compact and smooth a prepared snow surface, wherein an actuating element is assigned to the milling box behind the milling shaft in the direction of towing, which can be moved between a functional position extending the housing wall and a release position.

[0002] Such a rear-mounted snow blower is known from DE 10 2008 016 915 A1. The known rear-mounted snow blower has a milling box in which a milling shaft is rotatably mounted. The milling box is provided with a housing wall that surrounds the milling shaft. On an inner surface of the housing wall facing the milling shaft, a group of guide elements is provided, which are designed to distribute the snow quantities picked up by the milling shaft and thrown into the milling box from the rear over the length of the milling box and consequently over the length of the milling shaft, in order to achieve a largely uniform processing of the snow quantities over the entire length of the milling shaft. The milling box also has a pivotally mounted snow flap at a rear end of the housing wall (in Fig. 1 recognizable), which is designed to direct additional quantities of snow already processed by the milling shaft back into the milling box as needed, or to release these quantities of snow to a finisher arrangement at the rear.

[0003] German patent application DE 10 2009 060 481 B4 discloses a further rear-mounted milling attachment for a snow groomer, which is equipped with an adjustable housing wall. The housing wall of the milling box has a stationary housing wall section and a hydraulically adjustable housing wall section. The adjustable housing wall section is aligned with the similarly circular arc-shaped, stationary housing wall section of the milling box along a circular arc guide. A hydraulic cylinder is provided for adjusting the movable housing section.

[0004] The object of the invention is to create a rear-mounted milling machine of the type mentioned above, which enables an improved quality of a processed snow slope surface compared to the prior art.

[0005] This task is accomplished by designing the actuator as a linearly adjustable actuator, and by arranging the linear actuator at an angle to the direction of travel on the milling box, such that the linear actuator can be displaced in a plane that is inclined relative to a vertical in the opposite direction of travel – referring to the operation of the rear-mounted snow blower. Because the linear actuator is inclined in the opposite direction of travel, in the operating position extending the housing wall, where the linear actuator is immersed in the snow surface being worked by the milling shaft, it creates a skimming action, removing snow from the snow surface. This ensures a particularly reliable deflection of the snow from the rear into the milling box, allowing the milling shaft to throw the corresponding amount of snow forward again in front of the milling shaft.The solution according to the invention enables a linear relationship between the linear adjustment of the linear actuator and the amount of snow picked up, thereby allowing for particularly simple operation by the snow groomer operator. Furthermore, this results in a particularly uniform pickup of snow grain sizes behind the milling shaft, provided the linear actuator is in a functional position. The linear actuator is infinitely adjustable between a lower end position immersed in the snow surface, i.e., an end-position functional position, and the release position, in which the linear actuator is moved upwards to such an extent that it is concealed behind a rear and lower end of the housing wall.The rear-mounted rotary tiller according to the invention is designed as a rear attachment for a snow groomer and is used exclusively for processing snow surfaces, in particular for shaping or maintaining ski slopes.

[0006] In this embodiment of the invention, a linear adjustment of the linear actuator is provided along a plane that is aligned at least largely parallel to a tangential plane applied to a rotational circle of the milling shaft. With this embodiment, the milling shaft directly carries away the excavated snow, flinging it forward along the housing wall in front of the milling shaft.

[0007] In a further embodiment of the invention, the linear actuator is positioned at a rear end of the housing wall. Viewed in the direction of travel, the linear actuator is positioned behind the rear end of the housing wall and, in the operating position, is displaced obliquely forward and downward, thereby extending the rear end of the housing wall downward.

[0008] In a further embodiment of the invention, the linear actuator is designed as a flat shield with a straight peeling edge at its lower end, wherein the shield is slidably mounted in a linear guide attached to the milling box. The shield, with its straight peeling edge at its lower end, enables a particularly effective scooping function, deflecting the snow surface behind the milling shaft into the milling box. The rotation of the milling shaft then throws the corresponding quantities of snow forward in front of the milling shaft. This allows for multiple passes over snow by the rotating milling shaft, resulting in particularly good crushing and distribution of the snow particle sizes perpendicular to the direction of travel.

[0009] In a further embodiment of the invention, the shield has a length, viewed transversely to the direction of travel, that corresponds at least largely to the length of the milling shaft. The shield can therefore penetrate the snow surface uniformly along the entire length of the milling shaft in order to redirect the corresponding quantities of snow processed by the milling shaft upwards into the milling box.

[0010] In a further embodiment of the invention, the linear guide is formed by two guide rails flanking the shield on opposite sides, which are attached to support structure sections of the rear milling unit. Support structure sections of the rear milling unit are parts of the support structure that carry the milling box and support at least one milling shaft. Actuators for actuating the finisher assembly, as well as at least one rotary drive for rotating the milling shaft, are also mounted on the support structure of the rear milling unit. Advantageously, the guide rails are attached to end-face wall sections of the milling box.

[0011] In a further embodiment of the invention, at least one linear actuator is provided which engages the shield to move the shield between the operating position and the release position. The linear actuator can be pneumatically, electrically, or hydraulically operated. Preferably, the linear actuator is electrically or hydraulically operated. Advantageously, a hydraulic actuating cylinder or an electromechanical actuator is provided as the linear actuator.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the invention, an electronic control unit is provided which, during towing operation of the rear-mounted snow blower, controls at least one linear actuator depending on an operating signal from a snow groomer operator or depending on control commands from a central control system of the snow groomer. A corresponding operating signal is simply converted linearly into the adjustment of the blade. This results in a direct linear relationship between a value set by a snow groomer operator and a distance to the snow surface. This linear relationship is also used for control commands from an automated, central control system of the snow groomer, where automated control is based on various parameters such as snow conditions, the vehicle's surroundings, vehicle driving functions, rear-mounted snow blower control settings, and similar factors.

[0013] Further advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the claims and from the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which is illustrated with reference to the drawings. Fig. Figure 1 shows a sectional view of an embodiment of a rear milling machine according to the invention, in which a linear actuator is in a release position, and Fig. 2 the rear tiller after Fig. 1 with the linear actuator in a functional position.

[0014] A snow groomer (not shown) has a track drive system, with a track assembly positioned on opposite sides of a chassis frame. A cab containing a driver's seat is located at the front of the chassis frame. A driver sits in this seat to operate the snow groomer. A snow blade is mounted to the front of the chassis frame. A rear implement carrier is provided on the chassis frame at the rear, to which a rear-mounted attachment can be mounted. Such a rear-mounted attachment is one based on the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 Rear tiller 1 shown. The rear tiller 1 has a design based on the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2. A support structure T, only indicated, is shown, by means of which the rear-mounted milling machine 1 can be mounted on the rear implement carrier. The support structure T carries a milling box 3 in which a milling shaft 2 is rotatably mounted. The milling shaft 2 has a plurality of unspecified milling teeth distributed around its circumference and along its length, which are identified by the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are clearly recognizable.

[0015] The milling box 3 is equipped with a cross-section according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 essentially circular arc-shaped housing wall 4, which surrounds the milling shaft 2 at a distance. The housing wall 4 extends from a front end facing the direction of travel of the rear milling cutter 1 (in the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 (left) to a rear end section, which is positioned a short distance in front of a finisher assembly 7. The finisher assembly 7 is attached to the rear of the milling box 3 and projects backwards in the opposite direction of travel. In a towing operation of the rear milling unit 1, in which the rear milling unit 1 is towed behind the snow groomer, the finisher assembly 7 serves to compact and smooth a snow surface processed by the milling shaft 2. For this purpose, the finisher assembly 7 is connected on the one hand to corresponding support structure sections of the support structure T and on the other hand to actuating cylinders (not shown) that control the finisher assembly 7.

[0016] The milling shaft 2 is driven rotaryally by a hydraulic or electric milling drive. The milling shaft 2 rotates as shown in the diagram. Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a counterclockwise direction. The housing wall 4, which is radially spaced from the milling teeth of the milling shaft 2, serves to guide and deflect snow particles thrown by the rotating milling shaft 2. During towing operation of the rear-mounted snow blower 1, the counterclockwise rotating milling shaft 2 breaks up snow particles compacted by the snow groomer's tracks and throws them against the housing wall 4. In addition, the milling shaft 2 inevitably carries correspondingly flung snow particles forward in a counterclockwise direction, so that corresponding amounts of snow are transported back forward in front of the milling shaft within the milling box 3 in the annular gap between the housing wall 4 and the milling teeth of the milling shaft 2.There, the snow grain sizes are again captured by the rotating milling shaft 2, further broken down, and distributed perpendicular to the direction of travel, resulting in highly fragmented snow grains behind the milling shaft 2, forming a processed snow surface. During rotation, the milling shaft 2 continuously penetrates the snow surface to a certain depth.

[0017] Depending on the snow conditions, it may be necessary to transport additional quantities of snow behind the milling shaft 2 into the milling box 3 to ensure sufficient crushing and distribution of the snow grain sizes. This prevents excessively large snow grain sizes from leaving the area of ​​the milling shaft 2 to the rear and being smoothed and compacted by the finisher arrangement 7 to produce a high-quality, groomed snow piste surface.

[0018] For such cases, according to the invention, a linear actuator 5 in the form of a straight shield is additionally provided on the rear side of the housing wall 4. This actuator extends transversely to the direction of travel and thus orthogonally to the plane of the drawing over at least a substantial portion of the entire length of the milling shaft 2. The linear actuator 5 is designed as a flat, plank-shaped shield that extends transversely to the direction of travel. The linear actuator 5 is guided in a linearly displaceable manner in guide rails 6, which are attached to support structure sections of the support structure T of the rear milling cutter 1. Two guide rails 6 are provided at opposite end regions of the linear actuator 5, which, according to the illustrations, Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 are mounted in such a way that the linear actuator 5 can be displaced along an actuating plane, which in the towing operation of the rear milling machine 1, which is based on the Fig. 1 and Fig. As shown in Figure 2, the linear actuator 5 is inclined downwards and forwards relative to a vertical. Thus, the linear actuator 5 is inclined obliquely forwards and downwards against the direction of travel. This results in the linear actuator 5 generating, in a functional position as shown, Fig. 2 a shoveling function, whereby a portion of the snow surface processed by the milling shaft 2 is scraped off, collected and deflected into the milling box 3. In the operating position according to Fig. 2. The linear actuator 5 dips into the snow surface with at least one lower, straight, front peeling edge (not further specified), thus producing the desired shoveling or peeling effect. Based on the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 It is also evident that the positioning plane in which the linear actuator 5 can be displaced by means of the guide rails 6 runs in a plane that runs parallel to a tangential plane applied to a pitch circle of the milling teeth of the milling shaft 2.

[0019] The linear actuator 5 is adjustable by means of a linear actuator 8 (shown only schematically), which can be controlled by a control unit (not shown in detail). The control unit can be operated by the snow groomer operator. Alternatively, the control unit can be automatically controlled by a central control system, depending on control or regulation functions stored in the central electronic control system. The linear actuator 8 can be designed as a hydraulic cylinder or as an electric motor. Depending on the length of the linear actuator 5 perpendicular to the direction of travel, several linear actuators 8 acting in parallel can be provided. These actuators are distributed along the length of the linear actuator 5 and act on the linear actuator 5, mounted on corresponding support structure sections of the support structure T of the rear-mounted milling unit 1.

[0020] The linear actuator 5 is located between a release position, which is in Fig. 1 is shown, and a functional position which is based on the Fig.As can be seen in Figure 2, the linear actuator 5 is adjustable in a linear fashion. The adjustment is stepless and occurs via at least one linear actuator 8. In the release position, the linear actuator 5 is positioned upwards so that its lower, front-facing peeling edge is approximately level with a rear end face of the housing wall 4. In the operating position, however, the linear actuator 5 is positioned downwards and forwards, thus extending the rear end face of the housing wall 4 downwards.This makes it possible to transport snow particles processed by the rotating milling shaft 2, which would otherwise fall below the finisher assembly 7 without the linear actuator 5, back forward over the milling box 3 in front of the milling shaft 2. This allows for repeated crushing of the snow particles until they are sufficiently reduced that the linear actuator 5, in its functional position during the trailing operation of the rear-mounted milling unit 1, glides over them. The processed snow, i.e., the significantly reduced snow particles, is then smoothed and compacted by the finisher assembly 7. Because the finisher assembly 7 is profiled on its underside, a characteristic cord pattern is formed on the processed snow surface. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2008 016 915 A1

[0002] DE 10 2009 060 481 B4

[0003]

Claims

[1] Rear-mounted snow removal unit (1) for snow surface preparation, which can be attached to the rear of a snow groomer in towing operation, comprising at least one milling shaft (2) rotatably arranged in a milling box (3) which has a housing wall (4) surrounding the milling shaft (2) in an arc-shaped cross-section, and a finisher arrangement (7) which is arranged behind the milling box (3) in the direction of towing to compact and smooth a prepared snow surface, wherein an actuating element is assigned to the milling box (3) behind the milling shaft (2) in the direction of towing, which is movable between a functional position extending the housing wall (4) and a release position, characterized by, that the actuating element is designed as a linearly adjustable linear actuating element (5), and that the linear actuating element is arranged inclined against a drag direction on the milling box (3) such that the linear actuating element (5) can be displaced in a plane which is inclined against the drag direction relative to a vertical - with reference to a drag operation of the rear milling machine (1). [2] Rear tiller (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that a linear adjustment of the linear actuator (5) is provided along a plane which is aligned at least largely parallel to a tangential plane applied to a rotation circle of the milling shaft (2). [3] Rear tiller (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the linear actuator (5) is positioned at a rear end of the housing wall (4). [4] Rear tiller (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the linear actuator (5) is designed as a flat shield with a straight peeling edge (9) at its lower end face, wherein the shield is slidably mounted in a linear guide attached to the milling box (3). [5] Rear tiller (1) according to claim 4, characterized by , that the shield has a length seen perpendicular to the direction of travel which corresponds at least largely to a length of the milling shaft (2). [6] Rear tiller (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized by , that the linear guide is formed by two guide rails (6) flanking the shield on opposite sides, which are attached to support structure sections of the rear milling cutter (1). [7] Rear tiller (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one linear actuator (8) is provided which acts on the shield in order to move the shield between the operating position and the release position. [8] Rear tiller (1) according to claim 7, characterized by , that the linear actuator (8) is electrically or hydraulically operated. [9] Rear tiller (1) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized by , that an electronic control unit is provided which, in a towing operation of the rear milling machine (1), controls the at least one linear actuator (8) depending on an operating signal by a driver of the snow groomer or depending on control commands of a central control system of the snow groomer.

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