Mobile pile driver and method for driving piles

Abstract

The invention discloses a mobile pile driver (10) which is particularly suitable for use in forestry. The mobile pile driver (10) comprises a lifting column (12) arranged in an approximately vertical orientation and having an indentation ram (14) that can be raised and lowered along a longitudinal direction of the lifting column (12). Furthermore, the mobile pile driver (10) comprises a chassis (16) with crawler or chain drives (26) for moving the mobile pile driver (10) from one location to another. It is provided that the pressing punch (14) can be raised and lowered along the lifting column (12) by means of hydraulic pressure.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a mobile pile driver, which can be used in particular in forestry. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for driving piles into soft soil, particularly using the mobile pile driver and particularly in forest areas.

[0002] The manual setting of posts made of wood or metal, e.g. fence posts, can be done using a hammer, with two people preferably standing on either side of the hammer and moving it downwards in parallel so that the momentum of the downward hammer can drive the post vertically into the yielding ground.

[0003] Manually operated tools quickly reach their limits when driving larger piles or in harder soils, so mechanically operated hammers are a sensible choice. Such equipped machines are also referred to as piling devices.

[0004] A pile-driving device with a pile feeder, a carriage, and a driving tower arranged between the carriage tracks is described, for example, in DE 10 2010 023 213 A1. A heavy hammer head is pulled upwards on the driving tower and then falls onto the upper face of the pile being driven into the ground.

[0005] A similar piling device, in which the piling tower can be brought into a horizontal transport position, is known from DE 10 2010 023 215 A1.

[0006] Other similar piling devices are known, for example, from CN 107 905 226 A and CN 115 492 105 A.

[0007] All of these well-known piling devices are equipped with crawler tracks because, as large construction machines, they are intended to be mobile in rough terrain conditions.

[0008] However, such machines are only suitable for use in open terrain, while their size and weight make their use in forestry areas practically impossible. However, setting posts or fence posts can also be a useful task in the forest, which can often only be done by hand due to a lack of available machinery.

[0009] Given the specific requirements for machine use in the forest, the primary objective of the present invention can be considered to provide a mobile post driver that, due to its special design features, is suitable for forestry use. Furthermore, the objective of the invention can be considered to provide a gentle method for driving posts that is particularly suitable for forestry use.

[0010] These objects of the invention are achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Features of advantageous developments of the invention can be found in the respective dependent claims.

[0011] To achieve the stated objective, the invention proposes a mobile pile driver with the features of the independent claim, which is particularly suitable for forestry use. The pile driver comprises a lifting column adjustably anchored to a frame and arranged in an approximately vertical orientation, with an insertion ram that can be raised and lowered along a longitudinal extension of the lifting column. Furthermore, the mobile pile driver is equipped with a chassis with crawler or chain tracks for moving the mobile pile driver. Furthermore, the insertion ram, which is movably mounted on the lifting column, can be raised or lowered along the lifting column using hydraulic pressure.

[0012] For the latter purpose, the height adjustability of the insertion ram, the lifting column can be designed to be telescopic, wherein it can in particular have sections that can be pushed into one another, wherein one of these sections can be anchored to the frame of the pile driver and the other section can be designed to be telescopic relative to the anchored section.

[0013] The definition of a telescopic lifting column described here does not primarily refer to the adjustment range of the lowerable insertion ram along the longitudinal direction of the lifting column. Rather, an optionally telescopic lifting column can be used to optionally extend the working range of the mobile pile driver according to the invention in order to provide sufficient lifting ranges for piles of different lengths that are to be driven into the ground. It can therefore be particularly advantageous to be able to extend the lifting column in its longitudinal direction for driving longer piles, which is what is meant by the term "telescopic lifting column". Depending on requirements, the lifting column can be used in this way, for example.be extended to a vertical length of significantly more than two meters, preferably in conjunction with a correspondingly extended stroke of the indentation ram which can be lowered along the lifting column, in order to make the greater length of such a telescopic lifting column available in its entirety for an increased adjustment range of the indentation ram.

[0014] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to design the lifting column so that it can pivot relative to the pile driver frame, either around a single pivot axis or around two separate pivot axes. A suitable design variant may provide pivoting capability around at least one horizontal pivot axis, for example, around a pivot angle of approximately 5 to a maximum of 20 degrees in both directions relative to a vertical axis. Optionally, a further pivoting capability around a horizontal pivot axis perpendicular to the first horizontal pivot axis may be possible, whereby pivot angles of approximately 5 to a maximum of 20 degrees in both directions relative to a vertical axis may be permitted.

[0015] In this way, the pile setter can also be used on sloping terrain or on a slope and the insertion punch can still be guided in a vertical direction in order to be able to push the pile to be set vertically into the ground.

[0016] In addition, a useful design variant can provide for extended pivoting around at least one horizontal pivot axis, e.g., a pivot angle of up to 20 degrees in both directions relative to a vertical. To enable the pile driver to be used on steep slopes, at least one of these pivot angles can be selected to be significantly larger, allowing, for example, structurally determined pivot angles of 40° or more in at least one of several pivot directions. Optionally, further pivoting around a horizontal pivot axis perpendicular to the first horizontal pivot axis can be enabled, whereby enlarged pivot angles of more than 20 degrees in both directions relative to a vertical may also be permitted.

[0017] In this way, the pile driver can also be used in significantly steeper terrain or on steep slopes and the insertion punch can still be guided in a vertical direction in order to be able to push the pile to be set vertically into the ground.

[0018] The first horizontal pivot axis can, for example, be located approximately at the height of a frame of the mobile pile driver and arranged transversely to its longitudinal direction. The second horizontal pivot axis can preferably also be located approximately at the height of the frame and arranged parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame. The longitudinal direction refers to a direction parallel to the belt tracks, i.e., the crawler or chain tracks, of the pile driver, which also defines a direction of travel when the pile driver's undercarriage is not cornering.

[0019] The adjustment of the pressing ram and / or the angular position of the lifting column can optionally be carried out hydraulically, for example by means of suitable linear drives, i.e. by means of hydraulic cylinders, which are preferably designed to be double-acting.

[0020] A further advantageous feature of the mobile post driver according to the invention can further comprise a suitable guide, which, on the one hand, can ensure that the posts are held firmly during their insertion into the ground, preventing them from slipping off the insertion die or from moving sideways. Furthermore, such a mechanical guide, which acts as an aid for the posts to be handled, can ensure their vertical insertion and insertion into the ground.

[0021] Thus, a variant of the mobile pile driver according to the invention can optionally be equipped on the lifting column with at least one such guide which serves to hold and / or guide the fixation of a pile to be driven into the ground during activation of the lowering drive-in ram.

[0022] Preferably, this optional guide or these optional guides can be adapted, in the case of use, to the respective posts to be handled in terms of their diameter and contour, whereby the posts can be reliably guided vertically with relatively little play, while the insertion punch presses on the upper end face and sets the respective post in the ground.

[0023] Without such guides, there is no clear indication as to whether the posts to be handled are aligned exactly straight and will remain so while they are being pushed into the ground.

[0024] A further advantageous option can provide for suitable indicators and / or sensors on the lifting column that can indicate its exact vertical alignment or deviations therefrom and / or provide corresponding sensor values. In a simple version, such indicators can be formed, for example, by two spirit levels, which make it easier for the user to align the lifting column straight by simply observing and reading them. If, instead of or in addition to a suitable sensor system, the lifting column can also be equipped with an automatic system that can ensure that the lifting column is automatically aligned vertically, even on uneven floors or with a given slope.

[0025] According to another useful embodiment, the drive ram of the mobile post driver according to the invention can be assigned a vibration device that interacts with the ram to drive posts, fence posts, etc. into the ground. Optionally, the lifting column can be equipped with this vibration device, as long as it is ensured that the generated vibrations are transmitted to the drive ram largely undamped. Such a vibration device can usefully support the drive-in process, particularly in harder soils or generally in problematic soil conditions. The vibration device can also provide support in relatively soft soils, as this can significantly reduce the drive-in forces.

[0026] The user is familiar with the appropriate and practical operating frequencies and the respective working strokes at which such a vibration unit can operate. If necessary, and when using such a vibration unit that can act on the insertion ram, the user will normally either use an available module and mount it on the lifting column so that the insertion ram can be subjected to vibrations as needed. If the user does not wish to use a commercially available module to generate vibrations, they can also determine the appropriate working strokes and working frequencies that lead to optimal results when driving the piles through testing.

[0027] In an alternative design variant, it may also be useful to drive the indentation ram in a different way than hydraulically and / or to design the adjustment elements for the angular adjustment of the lifting column in a different way, e.g. to provide electric motor drives for this purpose.

[0028] Preferably, the mobile pile driver according to the invention can be equipped with an internal combustion engine to supply energy to all drives, i.e., the travel drives as well as the actuators for the lifting column, the insertion ram, etc. A useful equipment variant provides a central hydraulic pressure supply driven by the internal combustion engine, so that all hydraulic consumers, actuators, motors, etc., can be supplied by the central pressure supply.

[0029] In this case, the belt drives can advantageously each be equipped with a hydrostatic drive.

[0030] However, this does not in any way exclude an alternative variant with electrical energy supplies, whereby the central electrical energy supply does not generally require a generator drive by an internal combustion engine, but can be provided, for example, by means of rechargeable batteries that can be carried on the pile driver.

[0031] In this case, it may be advantageous to drive the belt drives with electric motors.

[0032] The crawler or chain drive of the mobile post driver according to the invention enables its high off-road capability and good maneuverability, since such undercarriages, formed by two parallel belt drives, allow both belt drives to be driven and decelerated independently of each other. Because the drives can be driven and decelerated independently of each other, the vehicle is highly maneuverable and can even turn on the spot if necessary. The belt drives enable maneuverability in rough terrain, in forestry, and on soft ground and have the advantage of protecting the soil. Since high contact pressures are not transferred into the soft ground, this offers a significant advantage over wheeled undercarriages, particularly in forestry applications, which create a significantly smaller contact area than crawler or chain drives.In contrast, belt-type undercarriages are generally able to produce significantly less soil compaction on their tracks, which can offer a major advantage over heavier machines or those with wheeled undercarriages in off-road forestry applications.

[0033] Optionally, the functions of the mobile pile driver can be controlled via remote control. This means that the mobile pile driver could also be used as a variant of an AGV (driverless transport system). The functions can be controlled semi-automatically or fully automatically, if appropriate for the application. In such a variant, it may be advisable to implement suitable safety shutdowns, for example, in combination with collision protection and / or impact protection; in this case, the machine stops if it is contacted or collides with an obstacle.

[0034] Essentially, the mobile pile driver described here is a small vehicle equipped with crawler or tracked undercarriages, similar in maneuverability and dimensions to a mini excavator. However, the mobile pile driver generally does not offer a driver's seat, but is more comparable to a smaller mobile work platform in terms of its controllability and the requirement to accompany it on foot. While such mobile work platforms usually have a remote control with which almost all functions, including the motorized movement on their four wheels, can be controlled, such a remote control in this case is typically only useful for the controlled drive of the crawler or tracked undercarriages. However, for most applications, it would probably not be practical to also control the functions of the lifting column and the impact ram via remote control.Instead, the mobile work machine according to the invention, i.e. the post driver, is to be provided with a control terminal which has the necessary operating levers in order to carry out all functions related to the driving in of posts, fence posts, etc., by means of manual control inputs.

[0035] Additionally, it may be advantageous to mount a fence unwinder at a suitable position, e.g., at the front, rear, or side of the machine, to simultaneously unwind the fence mesh during post installation. Thus, the mobile post installer according to the invention may, for example, have suitable devices for providing unwindable fence mesh for fence installation after posts have been installed. This device may, for example, comprise a boom with a storage base, which may be designed and configured accordingly to vertically hold a roll of wound fence mesh.

[0036] Such an outrigger can be mounted, for example, at the rear of the mobile post driver's frame, or optionally at the front, where the lifting column is also located. The outrigger can, for example, extend laterally beyond the width of the chassis, so that the rotatably mounted roll with the fence mesh wound on it is only slightly above the level of the belt conveyors. This ensures that the fence mesh is immediately available at the appropriate height for installing a wire fence held to the installed posts when unwound from the roll, which rotates around a vertical axis.

[0037] Optionally, the vehicle can also be equipped with a storage compartment for additional rolls of wound fencing mesh. This storage compartment can, in particular, allow multiple rolls to be transported upright on the vehicle. The storage compartment can, for example, be located above one of the two belt tracks of the post driver's chassis, so that the overall width of the post driver is barely increased.

[0038] A cable winch, preferably electrically or hydraulically operated, can be optionally mounted on at least one front and / or rear end of the vehicle frame of the mobile pile driver according to the invention. With the aid of or support of this cable winch, it is possible to overcome steeper gradients. Furthermore, such an optional cable winch can help to free a vehicle that has become stuck or blocked in rough terrain, for example, by attaching the free end of the cable to a tree or a suitable anchor point.

[0039] To achieve the above-mentioned objective, the invention further proposes a method for driving piles into yielding soil, having the features of the independent method claim, which method is particularly suitable for use in forestry. Furthermore, the method according to the invention can preferably utilize a mobile pile driver according to one of the previously described embodiments and in accordance with the technical specifications described therein.

[0040] In the method according to the invention for driving piles into yielding soil, each pile is typically driven in by vertically lowering an insertion ram that is guided so as to be raised and lowered along a longitudinal direction of a lifting column arranged in an approximately vertical orientation. The insertion of the ram is effected by hydraulic pressure, whereby the ram acts on an upper end face of the pile and presses it vertically into the ground. Subsequently, at least one further pile can be driven in. For this purpose, the insertion ram is first raised by hydraulic pressure and the mobile pile driver is moved to the respective location by means of a traveling relocation and using a chassis with crawler or chain drives. The driving in of the next pile is again carried out in the same way, namely by hydraulically lowering the insertion ram.

[0041] If desired and required, the lifting column arranged on the mobile pile driver can be telescoped. This does not primarily refer to the lowerable insertion ram, which must be able to be raised and lowered in any case in order to fulfil its intended purpose. A telescopic lifting column can also extend the working range of the mobile pile driver according to the invention in order to be able to provide a sufficient lift for shorter or longer piles. For example, it can be advantageous to be able to extend the lifting column lengthwise for driving longer piles for which a normal vertical length of the lifting column of, for example, one and a half metres or two metres is no longer sufficient. This is what the term telescopic lifting column means. Depending on requirements, the lifting column can therefore be, for example,be extended to a length of significantly more than two meters, preferably in conjunction with a correspondingly extended stroke of the indentation ram which can be lowered along the lifting column, in order to make the greater length of such a telescopic lifting column available in its entirety for an increased adjustment range of the indentation ram.

[0042] In addition, the lifting column arranged on the mobile pile driver can be pivoted relative to a frame of the pile driver as required, whereby the pivoting can take place about at least one horizontal pivot axis or optionally about two mutually perpendicular horizontal pivot axes.

[0043] This telescopic ability of the lifting column allows for adaptation to different pile lengths and / or their insertion depths in the ground. The pivoting of the lifting column can also compensate for slopes, as piles are normally always driven vertically into the ground. However, the mobile pile driver may be tilted, for example, due to a corresponding ground relief. However, if the lifting column is tilted at the same angle, this could lead to unfavorable interactions with the pile being driven. This can be compensated for by vertically aligning the lifting column, which is pivotably anchored to the carrier vehicle.

[0044] Finally, the method can provide for the telescopic lifting column to interact, if necessary, with a vibration device coupled to the insertion ram, so that the insertion ram is subjected to vibrations when the vibration device is activated. Such a vibration device can facilitate the insertion process and can reduce the necessary compressive forces that must be applied to the pile to be inserted into the ground.

[0045] Finally, it should be expressly mentioned at this point that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the mobile pile driver according to the invention equally relate to or can form partial aspects of the method according to the invention for driving piles into yielding soil. Therefore, if at any point in the description or in the claim definitions for the mobile pile driver according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this equally applies to the method according to the invention for driving piles. The same applies in reverse, so that all aspects and embodiments explained in connection with the method according to the invention for driving piles into yielding soil equally relate to or can be partial aspects of the mobile pile driver according to the invention.Therefore, if at one point in the description or in the claim definitions for the method according to the invention certain aspects and / or relationships and / or effects are mentioned, this applies equally to the mobile pile driver according to the invention.

[0046] In the following description of preferred embodiments of the pile driver according to the invention, which refers to the attached drawings, the special features and equipment characteristics of these embodiments of the machine are primarily explained, without this being understood as limiting these explanations to refer only to the aspects of the mobile work machine. As already clarified above, all of the following explanations apply equally to the method for driving piles according to the invention, without this needing to be emphasized separately in detail.

[0047] In the following, exemplary embodiments will explain the invention and its advantages in more detail with reference to the accompanying figures. The relative sizes of the individual elements in the figures do not always correspond to the actual sizes, as some shapes are simplified and others are enlarged relative to other elements for better illustration. Fig. 1 shows a variant of a mobile pile driver according to the invention in a perspective view. Fig. 2A to 2D show different views of the mobile pile driver according to Fig. 1 and show different swivel positions of a lifting column as well as different operating states of the telescopic lifting column. Fig. 3A to 3D show different views of the mobile pile driver according to Fig. 1 and illustrate its dimensions and sensible dimensioning of the components. Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B show, in schematic and perspective views, a further equipment option of the mobile post setter according to the invention, which has suitable devices for providing a detachable fence mesh for setting the fence after setting the posts. Fig. Figure 4C shows a schematic front view of the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shown variant of the mobile pile driver. Fig. Figure 4D shows a schematic and perspective view of the Fig. 4A to C, which is also equipped with a storage space for additional rolls of fence mesh.

[0048] Identical reference numerals are used for identical or equivalently functioning elements of the invention. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only those reference numerals are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for describing the respective figure. The illustrated embodiments merely represent examples of how the invention can be configured and do not represent a final limitation. Furthermore, the features described below are not to be understood in close connection with other features of the respective embodiment, but can each be provided in a general context or used for this purpose.

[0049] The schematic perspective view of the Fig. Figure 1 shows a variant of a mobile post driver 10 according to the invention, which is particularly suitable for forestry use or can be intended for forestry use. When the term "mobile post driver 10" is used in the present context, it refers to a forestry machine having the features explained below and the range of functions described below.

[0050] As the perspective view of the Fig. As can be seen in Figure 1, the mobile pile driver 10 comprises a lifting column 12 with a driving ram 14 guided thereon, as well as a chassis 16, which allows the pile driver 10 to move around in a moving manner. The driving ram 14 is designed to be raised and lowered by means of hydraulic pressure along a longitudinal direction of the lifting column 12.

[0051] As the other Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D in conjunction with the Fig. 1, the lifting column 12 is essentially vertically aligned in its middle working position, so that the pressing ram 14 can also perform vertical lifting movements when lifting and lowering, since it is guided in the lifting column 12. However, in order to easily vary the lifting direction, it may be useful to make the lifting column 12 pivotable about at least one horizontal axis, preferably about two mutually perpendicular horizontal axes. When we speak here of horizontal pivot axes, about which the lifting column 12 can preferably be pivoted according to Fig. 2B, according to Fig. 2C and / or according to Fig. 2D, this horizontal alignment refers to a platform-like frame 18, which forms the supporting frame for anchoring all functional elements of the mobile pile driver 10, and to which both the lifting column 12 and the chassis 16 are anchored. Furthermore, the frame 18 supports a drive unit 20, which can be formed in particular by an internal combustion engine with associated peripherals for supplying all electrical and hydraulic consumers of the pile driver 10, possibly also - if present - pneumatically operated consumers.

[0052] This summarizes the essential functional elements of the mobile pile driver 10 according to the invention. The following explanations will deal with the various functions and operating modes of the pile driver 10 using its main functional element, the hydraulically operated insertion ram 14. In a front area next to the lifting column 12, a control terminal 22 can be seen, which is equipped with various operating levers 24 for manually controlling the functions of the pile driver 10.

[0053] In the embodiment shown, the chassis 16 is formed by two parallel belt drives 26, i.e. by two chain or crawler drives located along the length of the frame 18, which can be driven and decelerated independently of one another in order to enable the desired maneuverability of the pile driver 10 and so that it can not only reach locations that are difficult to access, but can also, if necessary, carry out very tight curve maneuvers and / or turn on the spot.

[0054] The drive unit 20, anchored to the rear of the frame 18, can be formed, for example, by a spark-ignition internal combustion engine (petrol engine), or optionally by a compression-ignition engine (diesel engine), so that it can feed a hydraulic circuit that supplies all the necessary drives and actuating elements of the pile driver 10. The largest consumers of the required hydraulic drive power are the hydraulically raised and lowered insertion ram 14 and the hydrostatic drive motors normally provided for driving the belt drive units 26. In addition, there are actuating cylinders for pivoting the lifting column 12 about the horizontal pivot axes, which, with reference to the Fig. 2B, Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D is explained in more detail.

[0055] Optionally, the belt drives 26 can also have electric drive motors, the electrical energy supply of which can be provided via a generator drive of the drive unit 20.

[0056] In the cases described here Fig. 1 to 3D, the specification should apply that the lifting column 12 is located at the front of the mobile post driver 10, which is designed as a tracked vehicle, while the drive unit 20 is arranged at the rear. The two belt drives 26 thus define the two longitudinal sides of the tracked vehicle. Thus, the control terminal 22 with the actuating levers 24 for manual function control is located on the left side of the lifting column 12 when the user is standing in front of the control terminal 22 in order to be able to reach the actuating levers 24. This specification should be made because the mobile post driver 10 according to the invention does not have a clear direction of travel, since with the aid of its motor-driven tracked or chain drives 26 it can be maneuvered forwards or backwards in almost any desired manner in order to reach its intended location of use, where the driving ram 14 is used to drive in posts or fence posts or the like.is inserted into the ground, which will typically be forest soil, where the good maneuverability of the pile driver 10 is particularly important.

[0057] The schematic side view of the Fig. 2A illustrates a typical working range of the indentation ram 14, which can be moved along the vertically oriented lifting column 12 by a vertical stroke of slightly more than one meter between a maximum retracted and thus lowest position and a maximum extended and thus highest position.

[0058] As the exemplary dimensions of the Fig. As illustrated in Figure 2A, the vertical stroke can, for example, have a length of 1100 mm, with the underside of the insertion ram 14 being at a height of 2555 mm in its uppermost position and 1453 mm in its lowest position. Minor deviations in the summation of the dimensions are of no further interest here, as these are merely exemplary values that can vary and deviate depending on the intended use of the pile driver 10 and its dimensions.

[0059] The posts or fence posts to be driven using the drive-in ram 14 can, for example, be so-called Z-profiles, i.e., metal fence posts typically used in forestry for erecting fences and enclosures. Since such Z-profiles must be driven very precisely and tend to buckle when subjected to forces or impulses that are not exactly perpendicular to their respective longitudinal directions, it is absolutely essential to select the appropriately dimensioned machines for this purpose. On the other hand, the driving force should be sufficiently large and easily controllable to reliably overcome the soil resistance when driving the posts into the forest floor.Finally, it is necessary to make the lifting column 12 adjustable in such a way that even on uneven ground and with the vehicle at a corresponding incline, an exactly vertical force introduction onto the upper end face of the pile to be driven in is possible.

[0060] The appropriate dimensioning of the pile driver 10 depends on the typical dimensions of the piles or Z-profile columns to be handled, as well as their typical insertion depth in the ground. Sufficiently large insertion forces can be applied by the hydraulic drive of the vertically adjustable insertion ram 14. Furthermore, such a hydraulic drive ensures the desired good controllability and dosability of the applied insertion forces. To ensure the aforementioned adjustability of the lifting column 12, it can be pivoted within certain limits relative to the frame 18 in the manner described below.

[0061] This illustrates the Fig. 2B, an optional lateral pivoting of the lifting column 12 relative to a vertical by 10° in both directions. The pivoting can occur about a horizontal pivot axis oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the frame 18, i.e., also parallel to the longitudinal sides of the pile driver 10 defined by the belt drive units 26 located on the sides of the frame 18. The maximum pivot angles, which here can be 10° relative to the vertical in both directions, can also be selected smaller or, optionally, slightly larger, as required.

[0062] The adjustability can preferably be achieved by means of at least one hydraulically operated actuating cylinder, which connects the lifting column 12 to the frame 18 at a suitable point, so that by a corresponding linear stroke of such an actuating cylinder the desired pivoting according to Fig. 2B can be realized. It may be useful to be able to mechanically lock the selected angle setting if the actuating cylinder is to be relieved of hydraulic actuating pressure.

[0063] Furthermore, the Fig. 2C an optional pivoting capability of the lifting column 12 relative to a vertical by 15° in directions perpendicular thereto, whereby the lifting column 12 can be pivoted in the pitch direction. This means that pivoting can also occur about a horizontal pivot axis oriented transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the frame 18, i.e. also perpendicular to the long sides of the pile driver 10 defined by the belt drive units 26 located on the sides of the frame 18. The maximum pivot angles, which here can be 15° to the vertical in both directions, can also be selected smaller or optionally somewhat larger as required.

[0064] Here too, the adjustability can preferably be achieved by means of at least one hydraulically operated actuating cylinder, which connects the lifting column 12 to the frame 18 at a suitable point, so that the desired pivoting according to Fig. 2C can be realized. It may also be useful with this variant to be able to mechanically lock the selected angle setting if the actuating cylinder is to be relieved of hydraulic actuating pressure.

[0065] Furthermore, the Fig. 2D one compared to the one in Fig. 2C, the pivoting possibility of the lifting column 12 is significantly increased compared to a vertical position. While the Fig. 2C each show a swivel angle of 15° in both directions, starting from a central position, illustrates the Fig. 2C increased swivel angles of up to 42° to the left (according to the selected representation), ie in the direction of the vehicle body, and up to 18° to the right, ie in the direction of the right-hand end of the vehicle or in the direction of the side on which the control terminal 22 is located.

[0066] Just as this has already been shown by the Fig. 2C, the lifting column 12 can optionally be Fig. 2D from its vertical central position, in which the chassis 16 is located on horizontal ground, in both directions within a vertical pivot plane oriented parallel to the longitudinal direction of the pile driver 10. Such pivotability of the lifting column 12 can also be considered as such in the pitch direction. This means that such pivoting can occur about a horizontal pivot axis (not specifically marked here) oriented transversely or perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the frame 18, i.e., also perpendicular to the longitudinal sides of the pile driver 10 defined by the belt tracks 26 located on the sides of the frame 18.

[0067] As already shown by the Fig. 2C, the Fig. The maximum swivel angles illustrated in 2D, which can be up to 42° to the vertical in the rear direction and up to 18° to the vertical in the front direction, can also be selected smaller or optionally slightly larger as required.

[0068] For both variants shown according to Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D, the adjustability can preferably be achieved by means of at least one hydraulically operated actuating cylinder, which connects the lifting column 12 to the frame 18 at a suitable point, so that by a corresponding linear stroke of this further actuating cylinder, the desired pivoting according to Fig. 2C and / or according to Fig. 2D. For both variants, it may be useful to be able to mechanically lock the selected angle setting if the actuating cylinder needs to be relieved of hydraulic actuating pressure.

[0069] One in Fig. 1 to 3D, but only in the schematic and perspective representation of the Fig. 4A, can be seen and yet useful, can also be formed by a suitable guide 38, which, on the one hand, can ensure that the posts or piles 40 to be inserted are held in place while they are being driven into the ground, so that they cannot slip off the driving die 14 or move sideways. Furthermore, such a mechanical guide 38, which acts as an aid for the posts or piles 40 to be handled, can ensure their vertical insertion and pressing into the ground.

[0070] The representation of the Fig. Figure 4A shows a partial section of a pile 40 held vertically within the guides 38, on whose upper end the insertion punch 14 acts. In the embodiment shown there, the guides are formed by two pairs of sheet metal that are vertically spaced from one another and arranged at different heights on the lifting column 12, so that the pile or post 40 held and guided therebetween finds space between parallel flanks of the pairs of sheet metal that form the respective guide 38.

[0071] In this context, it may be advantageous if the sheet pairs of each guide 38 can deflect outwardly in a resilient manner, so that they can hold the pile 40 located between them, which is currently located on the lifting column 12 and is aligned vertically and thus parallel to the vertical longitudinal extension direction of the lifting column 12, with a slight clamping force, without significantly hindering or slowing the longitudinal movements of the pile 40 during the lowering movement of the insertion ram 14. The friction effects resulting from such a clamping effect are normally negligible.

[0072] A further advantageous option, not illustrated here, can provide for suitable display elements and / or sensors to be present on the lifting column 12, which can indicate its exact vertical alignment and / or provide corresponding sensor values. In a simple variant, such display elements can be formed, for example, by two spirit levels, which make it easier for the user to align the lifting column 12 exactly vertically by simply observing and reading. If, instead of or in addition to a suitable sensor system, it is desired to work with it, the lifting column 12 can also be equipped with an automatic system that can ensure that the lifting column 12 is automatically aligned vertically even on uneven ground or a given ground slope.

[0073] Based on the schematic side view of the Fig. Figure 3A illustrates some useful dimensions of the mobile pile driver 10. For example, the center distance of the two belt drive units 26 can be approximately 1200 mm (cf. Fig. 3A, there 1217mm), while the height of the belt drives 26 can be about 300mm (cf. Fig. 3A, there 294mm). A reasonable height of the drive unit 20 from the ground can be approximately 1400mm (cf. Fig. 3A, there 1371mm), while the operating levers 24 of the control terminal can be at a height of approx. 850mm from the ground (cf. Fig. 3A, there 857 mm). One of the operating levers 24 of the control terminal is placed in a vertical position so that it can have a total height to the ground of approximately 1150 mm (cf. Fig. 3A, there 1159mm).

[0074] Finally, it should be noted that the upper end face of a punch extension 28, with which the indentation punch 14 is anchored to a telescopic boom 30, should be appropriate. This upper height of the punch extension 28 can, for example, be approximately 2200 mm when the indentation punch 14 is in the lowest or lowest position. Fig. 3A shows a height of exactly 2211 mm to the ground. For the useful adjustment ranges of the mobile post driver 10 shown here, please refer to the Fig. 2A.

[0075] The schematic side views of the Fig. 3B, Fig. 2C and Fig. 2D illustrate an optional equipment option for the mobile pile driver 10, which can be equipped with a storage area 32 for piles to be driven, Z-profiles, fence posts, etc. This storage area 32 or transport space can be formed, in particular, by a horizontal support with several vertical support forks, between which the piles to be stored (not shown here) can be placed in a horizontal position. In order to maintain the compact dimensions of the pile driver 10 during transport or when the storage area 32 is not in use, the frontal boundaries of the storage area 32 are preferably each telescopic, i.e., displaceable in the horizontal direction.

[0076] The side view of the Fig. 3B (and also the side view of the Fig. 2C) illustrates the telescopic section 32, which can be adjusted between a maximum total length of approximately 2500 mm (cf. Fig. 3B, there 2506mm) and a minimum length of about 1300mm (cf. Fig. 3B, there 1332 mm). When the two end-side limits are fully extended, they extend significantly beyond the length of the chassis 16, while when the storage area 32 is not in use, the limits do not extend beyond the total length of the mobile pile driver 10.

[0077] Alternatively, the storage area 32 can also be designed as a closed or open-topped transport box for horizontal or vertical storage of the posts, instead of the illustrated embodiment, which can represent a significant advantage. In such a variant, which is not illustrated here, the posts do not have to be carried on the surface of the storage area 32, but are carried in a suitable manner on the machine or in the transport box of the mobile post driver 10.

[0078] The schematic top view of the Fig. Figure 3C provides some further useful dimensions of the mobile pile driver 10, whose belt drives 26 can, for example, have a total length of approximately 1500 mm each (cf. Fig. 3C, there 1507 mm). In addition, the outer width of the chassis 16 at its widest point can be approximately 1230 mm (cf. Fig. 3C, there 1229 mm), while the outer distance between the belt drives 26 can be a good 1200 mm. Finally, a conceivable and sensible width of the drive unit 20 of a good 600 mm should be noted (cf. Fig. 3C, there 601mm).

[0079] In addition, the schematic front view of the Fig. 3D, which forms a view of the vehicle side with the lifting column 12, shows some further useful dimensions of the mobile pile driver 10, whose ground clearance can be approximately 190 mm, for example, which is defined by the distance of the underside of the frame 18 from the ground. A useful width of the two belt drives 26 can be approximately 180 mm each, while the inner distance between the belt drives 26 can be approximately 840 mm.

[0080] It should be emphasized at this point that all dimensions mentioned above are to be understood as exemplary values that can apply to the exemplary embodiment described here. However, these documents are by no means to be understood as limiting, but are intended merely to provide the reader with a specialist in the field with guidance on sensible dimensioning. The specialist in the field is in no way prevented from deviating from the exemplary dimensions in individual or multiple cases or from scaling them, for example, to create a slightly larger or smaller machine, provided this seems appropriate to him or her.

[0081] The Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D shows the exact central positioning of the lifting column 12 for the telescopic and raising and lowering indentation ram 14 on the longitudinal center axis of the frame 18, resulting in a central positioning between the two belt drives 26. However, this positioning should by no means be understood as the only possible or only sensible one. Eccentric positioning or even, in individual cases, lateral positioning on one of the two longitudinal sides may also be considered. In the case of an eccentric positioning, the specialist in question, as the designer of such a mobile pile driver 10, will have to consider whether to also position the drive unit 20 eccentrically in order to create a certain mass balance for the positioning of the lifting column 12, which differs from the variant shown.

[0082] In the case of a lateral positioning, which would also be possible in principle, at least the boom 30 with the insertion punch 14 anchored thereto could project laterally beyond the outline of the post driver 10, so that the posts or fence posts to be driven in could each be pressed into the ground laterally next to the respective belt drive 26.

[0083] Movable lifting columns 12, whose relative positions to the frame 18 are variable, would also be conceivable in principle. All of these variants are equally covered by the inventive concept and represent conceivable design alternatives, the implementation of which the person skilled in the art is not fundamentally prevented from doing.

[0084] In addition, for transport purposes, it would also be conceivable to give the lifting column 12 a wider swivel range than the one shown in Fig. 2C, which could be useful for steeper slopes on which the mobile pile driver 10 may be required to operate. Under certain circumstances, it might also be useful to place the lifting column 12 into a transport position in which it can be pivoted into a horizontal position, provided the drive unit 20 or the other equipment elements of the pile driver 10 allow sufficient space for this.

[0085] The design of the lifting column 12 can optionally have the contour shown, in which a square tube is used as the outer support tube 34 of the lifting column 12, in which a push rod 36 with a square-shaped outer contour can slide, fitting into this inner contour of this square tube. As already mentioned above, the schematic side view of the Fig. 2A the two end positions of the push rod 36 between its lowest position and its highest position, so that the lower effective surface of the pressing punch 14 can be adjusted between a minimum height of approximately 1450 mm and a maximum height of approximately 2550 mm in the vertical direction or in the longitudinal direction of the lifting column 12 (cf. Fig. 2A).

[0086] Even when the push rod 36 is in its lowest position in the support tube 34, sufficient space must remain in the interior of the lifting column 12 for a hydraulic actuating device (not shown here) that can provide the lifting movements of the support tube 34. Alternatively, instead of a hydraulic drive unit, an electric motor drive, e.g., acting on a rack or with a cable winch drive, can be used for the lifting movements of the support tube 34. However, this is not a preferred alternative due to the advantages of the hydraulic drive in terms of its power density and very compact design.

[0087] In this context, it should also be noted that the actuating device moving the push rod 36 can be implemented, for example, by a double-acting hydraulic cylinder, which is preferably accommodated within the square tube of the support tube 34. The controllability of such double-acting hydraulic actuating cylinders encompasses not only their stroke, but also their adjustment speed and the actuating forces in both directions, thus enabling a very precise and needs-based variation of the force applied when lowering the insertion ram 14. In this way, it can be ensured, on the one hand, that the ground resistance can be overcome when driving in the posts or fence posts to be set.On the other hand, both the lowering speed and the forces to be applied can be modulated by appropriate control, which can reliably prevent damage to the piles or tooth columns to be set.

[0088] The maximum pressing force that can be applied is limited by the ballasting effect of the entire machine, since such hydraulic actuating devices are easily capable of raising the entire machine if the resistance is too high. However, the controllability via the actuating levers 24 allows the lowering movement of the push rod 36 to be aborted at any time in such cases.

[0089] At the upper end of the push rod 36 is the boom 30, to which the punch extension 28 is anchored, so that the pressing punch 14 can be adjusted in height within certain limits, depending on the length of the punch extension 28, relative to its anchoring on the boom 30 (cf. Fig. 2A).

[0090] Finally, attention should be drawn to another useful equipment option for the mobile post driver 10 according to the invention, in which a vibration device - not shown in detail here - can be provided, which can interact selectively and in a controllable manner with the insertion ram 14. With the aid of such a vibration device, which can be arranged, for example, in the area of the boom 30 or in the area of the ram extension 28, vibrations can be imparted to the insertion ram 14 as needed, which can facilitate the driving of posts, fence posts, etc. into harder or stonier soils by adding the superimposed vibrations in addition to the vertically acting insertion force.Optionally, such a vibration device could also be accommodated in the push rod 36, since this can transmit the vibrations generated there via the boom 30 and the punch extension 28 largely undamped and thus equally effectively to the indentation punch 14 due to the rigid connections of the parts.

[0091] The drive control of the chassis 16 of the mobile pile driver 10 according to the invention can optionally also be controlled via a remote control, so that the pile driver 10 can also be equipped with a semi-automatic or fully automatic control system, if necessary. This does not normally apply to the same extent with regard to the raising and lowering movements of the driving ram 14, since it is advisable to personally monitor the exact positioning of the driving ram 14 on the upper face of a pile to be driven and also to personally make the control inputs on the control terminal 22 in order to be able to react immediately to any problems that arise, e.g., excessive ground resistance or a pile that deflects sideways and / or buckles, by canceling or stopping the lowering command for the support tube 34.

[0092] In addition, it can be advantageous if a fence unwinder is mounted in a suitable position, e.g. at the front, rear or side of the machine, in order to unwind a fence mesh at the same time as the posts are being set.

[0093] This is how the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shows schematic and perspective views of this further advantageous equipment option of the mobile post setter 10 according to the invention, which has suitable devices for providing a detachable fence mesh for setting the fence after setting posts 40. The Fig. 4C also shows a schematic front view of the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B shown variant of the mobile pile driver 10.

[0094] In the embodiment shown, this has a boom 42 with a storage base 44, which is provided for the vertical reception of a roll 46 with fence mesh 48 wound thereon and is designed accordingly. Fig. 4A to 4C, the boom 42 can be arranged, for example, at the rear of the frame 18 of the mobile pile driver 10, wherein the rear side is defined as the frontal position of the pile driver 10 at which the drive unit 20, rather than the lifting column 12, is located. Thus, according to local usage, the front side is the frontal position of the pile driver 10 at which the lifting column 12 and the control terminal 22 with the actuating levers 24 are located.

[0095] The boom 42 can, for example, protrude laterally beyond the width of the chassis 16 and be shaped and / or angled in the manner shown, so that the storage base 44 for the roll 46 rotatably held thereon with the fence mesh 48 wound thereon is located only slightly above the level of the belt drive units 26 (cf. Fig. 4C), so that the fence mesh 48, when unwound from the roll 46 rotating about a vertical axis, can be immediately made available at the appropriate height for installing a wire fence held on the posts 40.

[0096] As the back views of the Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C, the boom 42 can optionally be attached to the frame 18 in such a way that it can be pivoted about a vertical axis as required in order to enable different positions for the storage base 44 with the roller 46 held thereon.

[0097] The one in the Fig. 4A and Fig. 4B, the storage area 32 for piles 40 that can be transported lying on the mobile pile driver 10 has already been explained above and therefore does not need to be explained again here.

[0098] The schematic and perspective view of the Fig. Figure 4D also shows a further modification of the Fig. 4A to C, which here is additionally equipped with a storage space 50 for additional rolls 46 with fence mesh 48 wound thereon. In the illustrated embodiment, the storage space 50 comprises an elongated lower shelf 52 with a raised edge, in which a total of five rolls 46 are held upright. The lower elongated shelf 52 of the storage space 50 can, for example, be located above one of the two belt tracks 26 of the chassis 16 of the post driver 10, so that the storage space 50 barely increases the overall width of the post driver 10.

[0099] Further up and above the storage area 52, a cage element 54 can preferably be located, which surrounds the upright rolls 46 and prevents them from tipping over or falling out of the storage area 52. This cage element 54 can be anchored, for example, above a housing of the drive unit 20 or at another suitable location on the frame 18. The storage space 50 provides an advantageous option for carrying several additional rolls 46 with fence mesh 48 without the rolls 46 having to be transported lying down, for example, in the storage area 32.

[0100] The Fig. 4D also shows that the boom 42 with the support base 42 (without the roller 46 with fence mesh 48 placed thereon) can also be anchored to the other end face of the frame 18, preferably also in a pivotable manner, as already described above and based on the Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C was illustrated graphically.

[0101] Since in the variant of the Fig. 4D, the roller 46 is missing from the storage base 44, a receiving mandrel 56 can be seen there, which can typically be somewhat shorter than the roller 46 that can be pushed onto it. An outer diameter of the normally cylindrically shaped and rotatably mounted receiving mandrel 56 can correspond approximately to an inner diameter of a roll core, so that the latter can be pushed onto it and held there by the lower end face of the roller 46 sitting on the correspondingly widened storage base 44. The receiving mandrel 56 also expediently points vertically upwards, as shown in the Fig. 4D is shown.

[0102] Finally, it should be mentioned at this point that at least on a front and / or rear end face of the vehicle frame 18 of the mobile pile driver 10 according to the invention, a cable winch 58, which is preferably electrically or hydraulically operated, can be optionally mounted, which is shown for example in the Fig. 4B and Fig. 4C. Using such a cable winch 58, the pile driver 10 can overcome steeper gradients that it could not manage using the drive power of its belt drive units 26. Furthermore, such an optional cable winch 58 can free a vehicle that has become stuck or is blocked in rough terrain, for example, by attaching the free end of the cable to a tree or a suitable anchor point.

[0103] As the Fig. 4B and Fig.4C illustrates this by way of example, the cable winch 58 can be anchored to the rear end face of the frame 18, ie in the area below the drive unit 20.

[0104] The invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment. However, it is conceivable for a person skilled in the art that modifications or variations of the invention can be made without departing from the scope of the following claims. List of reference symbols 10 Mobile pile setter 12 lifting column 14 indentation stamps 16 Chassis 18 frames 20 drive unit 22 Control terminal 24 operating levers 26 Belt drives, crawler drives, track drives 28 Stamp extension 30 booms 32 Storage area 34 support tube 36 push rod 38 leadership 40 post, post 42 booms 44 storage base 46 roll 48 Fence mesh 50 storage room 52 shelf, lower shelf 54 Cage element 56 Mandrel 58 cable winch QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] DE 10 2010 023 213 A1

[0004] DE 10 2010 023 215 A1

[0005] CN 107 905 226 A

[0006] CN 115 492 105 A

[0006]

Claims

[1] Mobile pile driver (10) for forestry use, which has a lifting column (12) arranged in an approximately vertical orientation with an indentation ram (14) that can be raised and lowered along a longitudinal direction of the lifting column (12), and which has a chassis (16) with crawler or chain drives (26) for moving the mobile pile driver (10), wherein the indentation ram (14) can be raised and lowered along the lifting column (12) by means of hydraulic pressure. [2] Mobile pile driver (10) according to claim 1, the lifting column (12) of which is at least partially telescopic. [3] Mobile pile driver (10) according to claim 1 or 2, the lifting column (12) of which is designed to be pivotable relative to a frame (18) of the pile driver (10), wherein the pivotability can be effected about at least one horizontal pivot axis or optionally about two mutually perpendicular horizontal pivot axes. [4] Mobile pile driver (10) according to one of claims 1 to 3, the telescopic lifting column (12) and / or the raising and lowering pressing ram (14) of which is / are equipped with a hydraulic linear drive or with a double-acting hydraulic cylinder. [5] Mobile pile driver (10) according to one of claims 1 to 4, the lifting column (12) of which is equipped with a vibration device which is coupled to the insertion punch (14) and interacts with it, so that the insertion punch (14) can be subjected to vibrations when the vibration device is activated. [6] Mobile pile driver (10) according to one of claims 1 to 5, on the lifting column (12) of which there is at least one guide (38) for holding and / or for the guided fixation of a pile (40) to be driven into the ground during activation of the lowering driving ram (14). [7] Mobile pile driver (10) according to one of claims 1 to 6, whose two parallel crawler or chain drives (26) can be driven and decelerated independently of one another by a motor. [8] Mobile pile driver (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7, the lifting column (12) of which is adjustably arranged on the frame (18) of the pile driver (10) and is located between the tracks of the crawler or chain drives (26) of the chassis (16). [9] Mobile pile driver (10) according to one of claims 1 to 8, which is equipped with a control terminal (22) with actuating levers (24) which allow manual control instructions for controlling the lifting column movements or the lifting and lowering movements of the insertion ram (14) and / or for driving the crawler or chain drives (26). [10] Mobile post setter (10) according to one of claims 1 to 9, which is equipped with at least one roll (46) with fence mesh (48) wound thereon, in particular for providing the fence mesh (48) after setting posts (40) and for installing a fence. [11] Method for driving piles into yielding soil in the ground using a mobile pile driver (10), in particular in connection with a forestry application, wherein a respective pile (40) is driven into the ground by vertically lowering an indentation ram (14) which is guided in a lifting and lowering manner along a longitudinal direction of a lifting column (12) arranged in an approximately vertical orientation by means of hydraulic pressure and by the action of the indentation ram (14) on an upper end face of the pile (40), wherein at least one further pile (40) can be driven in after lifting the indentation ram (14) by means of hydraulic pressure and by moving the pile driver (10) using a chassis (16) with crawler or chain drives (26). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein the lifting column (12) arranged on the mobile pile driver (10) can be telescoped as required. [13] Method according to claim 11 or 12, in which the lifting column (12) arranged on the mobile pile driver (10) is pivoted as required relative to a frame (18) of the pile driver (10), wherein the pivoting can take place about at least one horizontal pivot axis or optionally about two mutually perpendicular horizontal pivot axes. [14] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, in which the telescopic lifting column (12) cooperates, if necessary, with a vibration device coupled to the indentation punch (14), so that the indentation punch (14) is subjected to vibrations when the vibration device is activated.

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