CONTROL AND RIDE DEVICE FOR SINGLE-AXLE VEHICLES

Description

Technical area

[0001] The invention relates to a device according to the preamble of claim 1. State of the art

[0002] Such devices are already known and in use in a variety of forms and designs. For example, US Pat. No. 918,249 A discloses an adjustable tractor seat whose angle can be adjusted and fixed orthogonally to the direction of travel via a footrest.

[0003] From US 2018 / 056152 A1 a carriage is known which has a base tube 22, a front carriage subassembly 24, a steering subassembly 26, a bag holder 28, a central support subassembly 30 and a rear drive subassembly 32.

[0004] From GB 2 542 258 a caddy system is known which has two fold-out legs 400, wherein the legs 400 can be pivotally connected to the main body 200.

[0005] US 2018 / 346007 A1 also discloses a steerable, self-propelled vehicle for the safe transport of heavy loads, such as concrete, within construction sites with uneven, irregular or sloping terrain.

[0006] DE 10 2009 051 275 A1 also discloses a warehouse technology forklift 1 for optional pedestrian operation.

[0007] Another device is known from AT 28 998 E. This discloses a pivoting seating platform for a multi-axle agricultural vehicle. Reference is also made to DE 807 336 B in this context.

[0008] Of particular note, however, is DE 20 2019 101 237 U1. This document discloses a one-piece running board pivoted in a semicircular arc for a single-axle agricultural vehicle. The solution disclosed therein is significantly limited when driving on slopes, as contact between the running board and the ground can easily occur. Furthermore, operating the steering mechanism, which is immobile compared to the running board, is almost impossible on slopes. Object of the invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, a device is to be provided that allows for comfortable riding on a single-axle vehicle and for steering and operating it, even when driving on steep slopes. Continuous boarding and dismounting should be possible. Solution to the task

[0010] The features of claim 1 lead to the solution of the problem.

[0011] Advantageous embodiments are described in the subclaims.

[0012] The present invention, a steering and ride-on device, is suitable for coupling to a single-axle vehicle, preferably suitable for agricultural use. The steering and ride-on device according to the invention comprises a coupling unit, a stand area, and a control area.

[0013] The stand area has a base that includes a cylindrical pivot bearing. In conjunction with a single-axle agricultural vehicle, the pivot bearing enables the steering and ride-on device according to the invention to be pivoted on both sides relative to a single-axle drive axle of the single-axle agricultural vehicle.

[0014] By both sides we mean that a swivel movement occurs parallel to the single-axle drive axle, i.e. from a left to a right wheel of the single-axle drive axle.

[0015] The base also includes a swivel bracket that pivots like a rocker. This swivel bracket extends parallel to the single-axle drive axle of the single-axle agricultural vehicle into the base, in the area of ​​a swivel opening that also extends through the base. The swivel bracket extends completely through the base and extends out of the base through the swivel opening on both sides, i.e., orthogonal to the direction of travel.

[0016] The swivel bracket is crescent-shaped and is pivotally connected to the base at its center, i.e. the point that is equidistant from both opposite ends, by means of a suspension.

[0017] Furthermore, a pivoting footrest is arranged at each end of the swivel bracket, each with a bearing.

[0018] The two footsteps together serve as a two-part standing surface for a user of the control and ride-on device according to the invention or the single-axle vehicle coupled to it.

[0019] Each of the two footrests has a bumper. The bumper is a protective plate that is arranged around the front part of the footrest, i.e., the part facing the single-axle vehicle.

[0020] Furthermore, the lug includes a holder for the bearings, via which the lug or footrest is rotatably connected to one end of the swivel bracket.

[0021] Each footrest also has a bearing pin. This pin is designed to point toward the single-axle vehicle. This bearing pin connects the respective footrest to the single-axle vehicle in a rotationally movable manner. The single-axle vehicle has corresponding bearing pin receptacles into which the bearing pins are rotatably mounted.

[0022] The pivoting bracket, which is pivotally connected to the base, aligns the pivoting footrests in relation to the pivoting movement of the control unit.

[0023] The steering and ride-on device according to the invention is connected to a single-axle vehicle via the coupling unit, which is arranged on the side of the base which, when used correctly, is directed towards a user standing on the footrests.

[0024] The steering and ride-on device according to the invention is positioned in direct proximity to the axle of the single-axle vehicle via the coupling unit. When properly coupled, there are therefore only a few centimeters, preferably less than 10 centimeters, and even more preferably less than 5 centimeters, between the coupling unit and the axle of the single-axle vehicle. This offers the significant advantage of a center of gravity directed toward the axle, which significantly facilitates and increases the handling and mobility of the single-axle vehicle during use.

[0025] The coupling unit is operatively connected to the pivot bearing of the base, so that the above-mentioned pivoting movements of the control and ride-along device according to the invention can take place relative to the single-axle vehicle or parallel to the single-axle drive axle.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, it is further provided that the steering and ride-on device according to the invention can be displaced and locked via the coupling unit parallel to the axle of a single-axle vehicle in the direction of a left or right wheel, or can be displaced and locked in the direction of the wheel facing uphill on the axle of the single-axle vehicle. For this purpose, additional bearing pin receptacles for the bearing pins of the footrests are also arranged on the single-axle vehicle. This enables the steering and ride-on device according to the invention to be displaced from a central position, which lies exactly between the two wheels, to a position parallel to the axle facing uphill, i.e., to a position between the central position and the wheel facing uphill, when driving on a slope.

[0027] This shift of the inventive steering and ride-on device leads to a beneficial shift in the center of gravity when driving on slopes, transferring more weight to the uphill-facing wheel than to the downhill-facing wheel. The more favorable weight distribution on the uphill-facing wheel enables safer driving on slopes than with conventionally arranged ride-on devices on single-axle vehicles, which are positioned centrally between the two wheels. Furthermore, steeper slopes that were previously impossible to drive on and work on can be safely negotiated and worked on.

[0028] When moving and locking the steering and ride-on device according to the invention in an upslope direction parallel to the axle of the single-axle vehicle, different positions can be assumed. These positions upslope from the center allow for optimal adjustment of the center of gravity to the prevailing slope gradient.

[0029] The movement and locking of the steering and ride-on device according to the invention on a line, rail, or similar device running parallel to the axle of the single-axle vehicle can be carried out either automatically and controlled via a control area of ​​the steering and ride-on device, or manually before starting the journey. In the automatic variant, the steering and ride-on device is also provided to automatically detect the prevailing slope and then calculate and assume the most advantageous position for the steering and ride-on device.

[0030] Furthermore, the steering and ride-on device according to the invention features an S-shaped column. The S-shaped column connects the standing area with the steering area and is curved in an S-shape.

[0031] The base features an S-pillar adjustment mechanism, which connects the S-pillar to the base. The S-pillar adjustment mechanism, in turn, features releasably interlocking toothed rings. Using a clamping lever, the toothed rings can be released from each other, allowing the desired angular position of the S-pillar relative to the base to be adjusted and fixed. This allows for ergonomic adjustment of the inventive steering and ride-on device to its user.

[0032] The S-pillar also includes a pivot bearing, which provides a rotating connection to a handlebar. The pivot bearing allows the handlebar to pivot, similar to a normal bicycle handlebar.

[0033] Furthermore, a handlebar adjustment mechanism is located between the pivot bearing and the handlebar. Similar to the S-pillar adjustment mechanism, this mechanism allows the desired angle of the handlebar to be set relative to the S-pillar. This further addresses the user's ergonomic needs.

[0034] The handlebar also includes a display and control unit. This display and control unit features controls and a display, further facilitating the operation of the single-axle vehicle.

[0035] The control unit, including all its components, is connected to the coupled single-axle vehicle via the S-pillar, the base, and the coupling unit. Control and steering commands are transmitted to the single-axle vehicle via the coupling unit. Information is also transmitted from the single-axle vehicle to the control unit. Character description

[0036] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments and from the drawings, which show: Figure 1 shows a control and ride-along device 1 according to the invention in a frontal view of an operating side; Figure 2 shows the control and ride-along device 1 according to the invention in a side view; Figure 3 shows the control and ride-along device 1 according to the invention in a view obliquely from above; Figure 4 shows a plan view of the control and ride-along device 1 according to the invention; Figure 5 shows a detail according to Figure 1 to a stand area 6; Figure 6 a sectional view of the stand area 6 along the section line A according to Figure 5 ; Figure 7 shows a frontal view of the control and ride-along device 1 according to the invention, illustrating the intended pivoting movements using arrows. Example

[0037] In Figure 1A control and ride-on device 1 according to the invention is shown in a frontal view, looking in the direction of travel. The direction of travel refers to the direction in which a user faces when the control and ride-on device 1 is properly connected to a single-axle agricultural vehicle.

[0038] The control and ride-along device 1 according to the invention has a control area 4. This control area 4 comprises a handlebar 17, similar to that of a bicycle handlebar, which can also be moved. A display and control unit 19 is arranged between two handles 18.1 and 18.2 of the handlebar 17.

[0039] The control area 4 is connected to a standing area 6 via an S-pillar 5. The standing area 6 and the S-pillar 5 are connected to each other by an S-pillar adjustment 15, which includes a tension lever 7.

[0040] In Figure 2The steering and ride-on device 1 according to the invention is shown in a side view, wherein the S-shaped configuration of the S-pillar 5 in connection with the control area 4 is particularly evident. The handlebar 17 comprises a handlebar adjustment 23. This handlebar adjustment 23 allows the variable adjustment of the handlebar 17 relative to the S-pillar 5. The handlebar adjustment 23 pivots into the S-pillar 5 via a pivot bearing 20. The pivot bearing 20 enables the handlebar movement, which serves to control the direction of the agricultural single-axle vehicle connected to the steering and ride-on device 1 according to the invention.

[0041] In Figure 3 and 4 In particular, the standing area 6 is clearly visible, which is connected to the S-pillar 5 by means of the S-pillar adjustment 15. Furthermore, Figure 4Two footrests 8.1 and 8.2 with their respective stops 13.1 and 13.2 are clearly visible. Footrests 8.1 and 8.2 each have a bearing pin 24.1 and 24.2. These bearing pins 24.1 and 24.2 are rotatably mounted in a designated bearing pin receptacle on the single-axle agricultural vehicle. They are made of a special titanium alloy, which allows them to support the weight of a passenger.

[0042] The bearing pins 24.1, 24.2 are located at one tip of the footsteps 8.1 and 8.2 in the area of ​​the respective abutment points 13.1, 13.2, facing away from the respective standing surface. The footsteps 8.1 and 8.2 are rotatably connected to the single-axle agricultural vehicle via the bearing pins 24.1, 24.2 and corresponding bearing pin receptacles located on the single-axle agricultural vehicle.

[0043] The bearing pins 24.1, 24.2 are arranged for rotation in the bearing pin receptacles, so that the footplates 8.1 and 8.2 are also rotatable. The rotational movement is guided in dependence on the movement of the control area 4 by a pivoting connection of the pivot bracket 9 via the bearings 10.2 and 10.3, which are arranged at the respective abutments 13.1 / 13.2.

[0044] In Figure 5 and 6 the standing area 6 and the base 14 with the pivot bearing of the control and ride-along device 1 according to the invention are shown in detail, wherein the Figure 6 a sectioned representation along a section line A from Figure 5 represents.

[0045] The S-pillar adjustment 15, which can be moved and secured to the position suitable for a user by adjusting interlocking toothed rings and the tension lever 7, merges into a base 14 on the side facing away from the S-pillar 5. This base 14 is inverted J-shaped and includes a suspension 21.

[0046] A crescent-shaped swivel bracket 9 is pivotably mounted at the center of this suspension 21. The swivel bracket 9 extends completely through the base 14 and extends out of the base 14 on both sides, i.e., orthogonally to the direction of travel, through a pivot opening 12. The suspension 21 allows the swivel bracket 9 to pivot to both sides in a seesaw-like manner.

[0047] The swivel bracket 9 is connected at its two opposite ends to the footrests 8.1 and 8.2 in a rotatable or pivotable manner by means of bearings 10.2 and 10.3.

[0048] The base 14 further comprises a coupling unit 11. Via this coupling unit 11, the control and ride-on device 1 according to the invention can be connected to the single-axle vehicle via a corresponding receiving area of ​​the single-axle vehicle. To position the center of gravity as far as possible toward the single-axle drive axle of the single-axle vehicle, the coupling unit 11 is arranged on the side of the base 14 facing the passenger. As a result, the weight of the entire control and ride-on device 1 according to the invention, as well as the additional weight of the passenger, is located in the immediate vicinity of the single-axle drive axle.

[0049] Furthermore, the base 14 comprises a cylindrical pivot bearing 22 in the area opposite the S-pillar adjustment 15. This pivot bearing 22 allows pivoting of the steering and ride-on device 1 according to the invention parallel to the single-axle drive axle of a single-axle vehicle depending on the prevailing slope. This pivoting movement is in Figure 7 indicated by the arrow 16. The pivot bearing 22 is operatively connected to the coupling unit 11.

[0050] In Figure 7 The aforementioned rotational and pivoting movements of the inventive control and ride-on device 1 are also represented by additional arrows. The handlebar 17 of the control area 4 is movable, similar to a bicycle handlebar. Furthermore, the rocking movement of the pivoting bar 9 and the rotational movement of the two adjacent footrests 8.1 and 8.2 are clearly visible.

[0051] Referring to the Figures 1 to 7The functioning of the device according to the invention is explained as follows: The control and ride-on device 1 according to the invention is connected via the coupling unit 11 to an agricultural single-axle vehicle and its single-axle drive axle.

[0052] Using the S-pillar adjustment 15 and the corresponding tension lever 7, the user determines the appropriate angle position of the S-pillar on the axle in the direction of travel. Furthermore, the angle of the handlebar 17 of the steering section 4 relative to the S-pillar 5 can be adjusted to suit the user using the handlebar adjustment 23.

[0053] The agricultural single-axle vehicle is controlled and operated by means of the control area 4, which comprises the handlebar 17 with the handles 18.1 and 18.2 and the display and control unit 19.

[0054] In the standing area 6, the two footsteps 8.1 and 8.2, which are pivotally mounted on the swivel bracket 9 and are pivotally connected to the single-axle vehicle via the bearing pins 24.1, 24.2 and corresponding bearing pin receptacles, enable the operator to climb onto the control and ride-on device 1 according to the invention or the moving agricultural single-axle vehicle connected to it and to ride in a standing position. The standing position is of key importance here, as it enables quick and easy dismounting from the control and ride-on device 1 according to the invention or the moving agricultural single-axle vehicle at any time. Dismounting occurs backwards, i.e., opposite to the intended direction of travel. This is not possible from a sitting position, which usually requires dismounting sideways.

[0055] Furthermore, the effective connection of the control area or the base via the swivel bar with the footrests ensures that the footrests are always aligned parallel to the ground to be driven on or are rotated depending on the control area.

[0056] Single-axle agricultural vehicles, especially those with spiked roller wheels, allow for driving on and cultivating meadows on steep slopes, even with gradients of over 110%. Steep meadows are preferably driven on perpendicular to the slope, resulting in an incline of the single-axle agricultural vehicle that corresponds to the slope.

[0057] In order to enable the user of the single-axle agricultural vehicle to continue to ride on it in such inclined positions, the control and ride-on device 1 according to the invention enables adaptation to these slopes by means of several above-mentioned rotatable and pivotable components, whereby both the control area 4 and the standing area 6 are adapted to the slope.

[0058] As in Figure 7As can be seen, the pivot bearing 22 in conjunction with the pivoting bracket 9, which can be pivoted via the suspension 21 and which, together with the likewise pivotable footrests 8.1 and 8.2, which are pivotally connected to the single-axle vehicle via the bearing pins 24.1, 24.2 and the corresponding bearing pin receptacle on the single-axle vehicle, enable a user to stand upright on the footrests 8.1 and 8.2 even while traveling orthogonally to a slope to be traveled on and to continue to operate the control area 4 as if on a level surface. The necessary alignment of the footrests in relation to the control area 4 and a sloped surface is achieved by the pivoting bracket 9. This transfers the pivoting movement of the control area 4 to the footrests 8.1 and 8.2.

[0059] An imaginary line runs between bearing 10.3, on which footrest 8.1 is located, the pivot bearing 22, and bearing 10.2, on which footrest 8.2 is located. This imaginary line runs parallel to the slope being traveled in a direction orthogonal to the slope gradient.

[0060] Depending on the slope gradient, the two footplates 8.1 and 8.2 are positioned at a different height from each other in the direction of the slope, as the pivoting bracket 9 pivots via the suspension 21 along the aforementioned imaginary line between the two bearings 10.3 and 10.2, parallel to the slope's surface. This imaginary line between the bearings 10.3 and 10.2 also always runs through the pivot bearing 22.

[0061] This means that the user's leg on the downhill side is fully extended and the leg on the uphill side is partially bent.

[0062] This pivoted orientation of the footrests, combined with their close-to-the-axle arrangement, allows the user to ride along, especially on steep slopes, without the limitations of insufficient ground clearance. These limitations are particularly problematic with prior-art, single-piece bases that simply pivot, which has been solved in this case.

[0063] In a further embodiment, however, the pivoted orientation of the swivel bar 9 can be canceled on a slight slope by the user's movement or by a control command, so that both footrests 8.1 and 8.2 are arranged almost or completely on the same level next to each other, allowing both legs to be fully extended. This leads to increased riding comfort on gentle slopes. List of reference symbols

[0064] 1 Control and ride-along device 4 Tax area 5 S-pillar 6 Stand area 7 clamping lever 8.1, 8.2 kick 9 Swivel bracket 10.2, 10.3 warehouse 11 coupling unit 12 Swivel opening 13 Kick-off 14 base 15 S-pillar adjustment 16 Arrow 17 handlebar 18.1, 18.2 handle 19 Display and control unit 20 Pivot bearing 21 suspension 22 swivel bearing 23 Handlebar adjustment 24 bearing bolt

Claims

1. Control and drive-along device (1) with a control area (4) and a stationary area (6) with two footsteps (8.1, 8.2) for a single-axle vehicle with a single-axle drive axle, characterized in in that the standing area (6) is connected to the control area (4) via an S-pillar (5) and, together with a base (14), is pivotably mounted relative to the single-axle drive axle via a swivel bearing (22), the base (14) being penetrated by a swivel bracket (9) which is pivotably arranged on a suspension (21) in a swivel opening (12) and at the two ends of which the swiveling footsteps (8.1, 8.2) are arranged, which are also pivotable via bearings (10.2, 10.3).

2. Control and drive-along device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the bearing (10.2), the swivel bearing (22) and the bearing (10.3) lie on an imaginary line.

3. Control and drive-along device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the base (14) is adjustably connected to an S-pillar (5) via an S-pillar adjustment (15).

4. Control and drive-along device (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that a handlebar (17) of the control area (4) comprises a handlebar adjustment (23) which is connected to the S-pillar (5) in a rotatable manner via a pivot bearing (20).

5. Control and drive-along device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the handlebar (17) comprises a display and control unit (19) with operating elements and a display.

6. Control and drive-along device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two footsteps (8.1, 8.2) each comprise an abutment (13).

7. Control and drive-along device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an operative connection between the control and drive-along device (1) and an agricultural single-axle vehicle is provided by the coupling unit (11).

8. Control and drive-along device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the control and drive-along device (1) is to be displaced and locked parallel to the single-axle drive axle of the single-axle vehicle in the direction of a respective uphill wheel.