ENGINE CONTROL, DRAWBAR, HAND-OPERATED SOIL COMPACTOR AND METHOD FOR OPERATING A HAND-OPERATED SOIL COMPACTOR

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a motor control for a hand-held soil compactor according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention further relates to a drawbar for a hand-held soil compactor according to claim 7. The invention also relates to a hand-held soil compactor according to claim 9 and a method for operating a hand-held soil compactor according to claim 12.

[0002] US Patent 10,968,574 B2 discloses an electric concrete trowel with a vibration function. The trowel has several controls for operation. One control starts the work process by switching the electric drive motor between an off and on state. A second control, a rotary knob, adjusts the speed under load.

[0003] DE 40 16 822 A1 describes a soil compactor with an operating lever that also serves as a guide handle. The operating lever can be pushed forward or pulled backward, with its travel limited by stops. The position of the operating lever changes the phase angle between two unbalanced sensors, causing the soil compactor to move forward or backward. The forward stop is a toggle lever. When the operator actively flips the toggle lever, the travel of the operating lever is extended. Within this extended travel, the phase angle between the unbalanced sensors is further changed, causing the soil compactor to move forward faster.

[0004] From the operating instructions "Vibration plate DPU 80, 90, 100" of WACKER NEUSON PRODUKTION GMBH & CO.KG, July 31, 2019, XP009543131, another motor control for a hand-held soil compactor is also known.

[0005] According to current technology, the vibration frequency of a soil compactor is infinitely adjustable. This is usually achieved using levers that can be moved into an infinite number of continuous positions.

[0006] A disadvantage is the inefficient and arbitrary operation by users in partial load ranges, which makes it difficult to control the compaction task. The applicant has therefore identified a need to limit the number of vibration frequencies that can actually be selected by an operator.

[0007] The object of the invention is to solve this problem by means of a further development of the motor control system and to provide a solution that is as simple and intuitive as possible for the user. This solution should function reliably and be cost-effective to implement.

[0008] The object of a motor control system for a hand-held soil compactor is to provide the control elements for operating the soil compactor by a user, wherein one control element is designed as a work-initiation selection unit, which is provided or configured for switching between no-load and load operation of a drive unit for operating the vibration of a base plate of the soil compactor. According to the invention, this is achieved by providing a further control element as a vibration speed switch, wherein the vibration speed switch is provided or configured for setting a vibration frequency of the base plate or a vibration sensor. The vibration speed switch provides discrete switching states, with a specific vibration frequency assigned to each switching state of the vibration speed switch. The switch is intuitively operable and provides discrete switching states.

[0009] The drive unit should be designed as an internal combustion engine, specifically a diesel or gasoline engine. In principle, however, the concept can also be applied to electric motors or similar devices. The vibration of the base plate is generated by the drive unit. A vibration sensor, which can be driven by the drive unit, is provided for this purpose. The vibration of the base plate is generated by the vibration sensor. The vibrating base plate allows for the compaction of the subsoil.

[0010] The drive unit can be operated at idle speed and / or at least at load speed. The soil compactor should have a clutch that is disengaged when the drive unit is idling and engaged when the drive unit is under load. The clutch is designed to transmit power between the drive unit and the vibrator.

[0011] The job selection unit is preferably designed as a push button, e.g., an electrical push button. The job selection unit, designed as a push button, can be pressed by the operator into a push-button switching state and automatically returns to an initial switching state after being released. The speed of the drive unit can be adjusted via the electrical contact in the push-button switching state. In particular, the push button should only allow switching between an idle speed and at least one load speed. The vibration speed switch preferably has a finite number of discrete switching states, in particular a maximum of 10, 5, 3, or 2 switching states. The vibration speed switch is preferably an electrical switch.The vibration frequency of the base plate can be adjusted by selecting the switching state of the vibration speed switch; in particular, the rotational speed of the drive unit can be adjusted, specifically to discrete switching states. A specific vibration frequency is assigned to each switching state of the vibration speed switch as the corresponding rotational speed.

[0012] The vibration speed switch has at least one first switching state and one second switching state. In a preferred embodiment, the vibration speed switch has only the first switching state and the second switching state. In particular, this allows only a low and a high load speed to be set.

[0013] The vibration frequency of the base plate is typically proportional to the load speed. The idle speed is higher than 0 revolutions per minute. At least one load speed, and / or the low load speed, and / or the high load speed is / are each higher than the idle speed.

[0014] Optionally, an additional control element can be designed as a start or ignition unit, by means of which the drive unit can be switched on and / or off. The ignition unit can, for example, be designed as an ignition lock. Alternatively, other access methods such as code entry, fingerprint, and similar are also possible.

[0015] An optional control element can be designed as a direction selector unit, allowing the forward direction of the soil compactor to be adjusted. This direction selector unit can be designed, in particular, as a lever. A control signal can be transmitted via the direction selector unit to a vibration sensor, for example, hydraulically or electrically. The vibration sensor causes a forward and / or reverse thrust of the soil compactor. The vibration sensor can include at least one or two unbalanced shafts. In variants with more than one unbalanced shaft, the direction selector unit can be used, for example, to adjust the phase angle between the unbalanced shafts and / or the unbalanced mass. Specifically, a lever movement of the optional lever can be transmitted via a rack and pinion to a pressure piston.The hydraulic pressure generated by the movement of the pressure piston can then act via a hydraulic line on a control piston integrated into the unbalance shaft. The control piston adjusts the unbalances, particularly with regard to the phase angle and / or the unbalance mass. This makes it possible to initiate a forward or backward movement of the soil compactor proportional to the deflection of the lever.

[0016] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the engine control unit includes an electronic control unit for regulating the speed of the drive unit. The control unit should have at least one interface through which the work-initiation selector and / or the vibration speed switch can be connected to the control unit for setting the control or control parameters such as the speed, for which purpose, in particular, wiring can be connected to the control unit. Preferably, the control unit has at least one interface through which at least one component for monitoring the engine status can be connected to the control unit, for which purpose, in particular, wiring can be connected to the control unit. The electronic control unit enables the use of an electrical switch.

[0017] An advantageous feature is the ability to set at least two different speeds of the drive unit via the control unit. Specifically, a maximum of 15, 10, 5, 3, or exactly 3 preset and adjustable speeds are provided. With appropriate control unit design, it is possible to operate the drive unit at different discrete speeds.

[0018] It can also be advantageous if the drive unit's idle speed, low load speed, and / or high load speed can be controlled via the control unit. Preferably, only the idle speed, low load speed, and / or high load speed can be controlled via the control unit. These speeds enable "two-speed" operation of the soil compactor, resulting in increased operational reliability, operation in efficient speed ranges, and improved monitoring of compaction performance.

[0019] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the control unit controls a fuel pump to regulate the speed of the drive unit. The work-initiation selector and / or the vibration speed switch thus indirectly influence the fuel pump's output via the control unit. Preferably, the control unit, according to its own logic, translates the operator-selected switching states into a corresponding engine speed. In this case, there is only indirect communication between the operator-activated controls—namely, the work-initiation selector and the vibration speed switch—and the fuel pump. The fuel pump supplies the drive unit with fuel. The fuel delivery rate can be regulated to control the speed of the drive unit. The fuel delivery rate correlates with the speed of the drive unit. By controlling the fuel pump, the speed can be regulated simply and directly via the control unit.

[0020] It is also advantageous if the control unit includes a voltage sensor whose output voltage is variable for speed control and / or correlates with the switching states of the work input selector and the vibration speed switch. The voltage sensor can be designed as a voltage diverter and / or a resistor network. The output voltage is preferably adjustable via the work input selector and / or the vibration speed switch. The output voltage then serves as an indicator of the desired operating state. The control unit can use this output voltage as an input and derive and output a control voltage for the fuel pump. The fuel pump's delivery rate can be controlled by regulating the control voltage. The control voltage correlates with the fuel delivery rate and / or the engine speed.This allows the fuel pump to be controlled optionally by a purely analog conversion of the output voltage into a control voltage. Alternatively, a digital conversion of the output voltage into a control voltage is also possible. Additional input signals, such as those from monitoring sensors like a speed sensor, engine temperature sensor, oil temperature sensor, vibration sensor, or exhaust gas sensor, can easily be integrated into such an optional digital conversion.

[0021] The invention further relates to a drawbar for a hand-operated soil compactor comprising a motor control as described above and below. The drawbar should have a drawbar head and a drawbar shaft. The control elements are preferably arranged at least partially or completely on the drawbar head.

[0022] In a special embodiment, the drawbar has a drawbar head at one end of a drawbar shaft, wherein the motor control, in particular its control unit, is arranged in or on the drawbar shaft and / or in or in the drawbar head.

[0023] The control unit is preferably located at least partially or completely within the drawbar shaft. In particular, the control unit can be positioned in a cavity within the drawbar, especially within the drawbar shaft. Mounting the motor control unit on or within the drawbar protects it from strong vibrations, especially if the drawbar is vibration-isolated. If the control unit is located within the drawbar shaft, it is also protected from dirt and water.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention relates to a hand-operated soil compactor with a motor control system as described above and below, and / or a drawbar as described above and below. This enables the practical use of the components described above.

[0025] The soil compactor should, in particular, comprise a drawbar and a base body. The drawbar is attached to the base body. The base body, in particular, includes a housing for a drive unit. The soil compactor should also include a drive unit itself. The drive unit is, in particular, arranged within the housing.

[0026] The soil compactor also has a base plate. The base plate is attached to the main body. Additionally, the soil compactor has a vibrator for driving the base plate. The vibrator is located on or within the main body or on the base plate. The vibrator may be at least partially located within the housing. The soil compactor may have a fuel pump positioned in or on the main body. In particular, the fuel pump may be located on the drive unit. The soil compactor may optionally have at least one engine monitoring component. This at least one engine monitoring component may be located on or within the main body. The at least one engine monitoring component may be located on the drive unit.

[0027] It can also be advantageous if the soil compactor has a clutch and a drive unit, whereby the clutch is engaged and / or disengaged, or can be disengaged, depending on the speed of the drive unit. The clutch is designed for power transmission between the drive unit and the vibrator. The clutch should be disengaged at idle speed and engaged at at least one load speed. The clutch can be designed, in particular, as a centrifugal clutch that engages and / or disengages automatically depending on the speed of the drive unit. This allows for easy control of the soil compactor's operation by simply adjusting the speed.

[0028] With the clutch engaged, the drive unit powers the vibration of the base plate, for which purpose the drive unit transmits power to the vibration sensor. With the clutch disengaged, however, the drive unit does not power the vibration of the base plate. The power flow between the drive unit and the vibration sensor is then interrupted.

[0029] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if the soil compactor has a base plate and a drive unit, whereby the vibration frequency of the base plate or a vibration sensor is proportional to the rotational speed of the drive unit. A vibration sensor causes the vibration of the base plate. The vibration sensor can be driven, in particular, by the drive unit. At a low operating speed, the base plate vibrates at a low frequency, and at a higher operating speed, the base plate vibrates at a higher frequency. The vibration frequency can therefore be easily adjusted by varying the rotational speed.

[0030] The problem is further solved by a method according to the invention for operating a hand-held soil compactor, wherein a vibration speed switch is actuated to select a vibration frequency of a base plate of a vibrator, the vibration speed switch providing discrete switching states, with a specific vibration frequency assigned to each switching state of the vibration speed switch. This results in simple operation of the soil compactor. It is thus possible to switch between discrete and / or defined vibration frequencies, particularly preferably between a maximum of 15, a maximum of 10, a maximum of 5, a maximum of 3, or exactly two vibration frequencies.

[0031] For this purpose, it can be advantageous if the soil compactor has an engine control system as described above and below, and / or a drawbar as described above and below, and / or a soil compactor as described above and below. The advantages listed are transferable to the process. Furthermore, the optional features of the engine control system, the drawbar, and the soil compactor can each individually enhance the process.

[0032] Further features, details and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the wording of the claims and from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. The drawings show: Fig. 1 a hand-held soil compactor, Fig. 2 a handle of the hand-held soil compactor, Fig. 3 a handle head with control elements, Fig. 4a a work input selector unit in the initial switching state, Fig. 4b the work input selector unit in the pressure switching state, Fig. 5a a vibration speed switch in the first switching state, Fig. 5b the vibration speed switch in the second switching state, Fig. 6 a control unit and Fig. 7 a drive unit with fuel pump.

[0033] According to Fig. 1 The soil compactor 100 has a drawbar 50 and a base body 111. The drawbar 50 is attached to the base body 111. The base body 111 also has a housing 112 for a drive unit 101 (not shown, see below). Fig. 7 ) of the soil compactor 100. The drive unit is provided in the housing 112 of the base body 111 and is an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel or a gasoline engine.

[0034] The soil compactor 100 additionally features a base plate 102 on the base body 111, by means of which a subsoil 200 can be compacted. A vibrator 104 is provided on the base body 111 to generate the vibration. The vibrator 104 is partially located in the housing 112. The drive unit 101 drives the vibrator 104. The vibration frequency of the base plate 102 is proportional to the load speed of the drive unit 101. An ignition unit 13 in the form of an ignition switch is also provided on the base body, by means of which the drive unit can be switched on and / or off.

[0035] After Fig. 2 The drawbar 50 has a drawbar head 51 and a drawbar shaft 52. Control elements 10 of a motor control unit 1 are provided on the drawbar head 51. A control unit 20 of the motor control unit 1 for regulating the speed is also located inside the drawbar shaft 52. The control unit 20 is housed in a cavity 53 of the drawbar shaft 52. A U-shaped handle or lever is located on the drawbar head 51 (see reference numeral 14 in [reference number]). Fig. 3 ) arranged. By actuating it forwards or backwards, a pressure piston is actuated, the hydraulic pressure of which acts on a direction sensor in the area of ​​the vibration sensor 104.

[0036] The drawbar head 51 with the control elements 10 is in Fig. 3 The soil compactor 100 is operated by a user via the control elements 10. One of the control elements 10 is designed as a work induction selector 11, which serves to switch between no-load and load operation of a drive unit 101. Another control element 10 is designed as a vibration speed switch 12, which is used to set a vibration frequency of the base plate 102. The vibration speed switch 12 changes the speed of the drive unit 101.

[0037] Furthermore, a control element 10 is designed as a direction-of-travel selection unit 14, i.e., as a lever, by means of which the direction of travel of the soil compactor 100 can be adjusted. This operates hydraulically as described above. Alternatively, however, an electronic implementation would also be conceivable.

[0038] According to Fig. 4a und Fig. 4b The work initiation selection unit 11 is designed as an electrical push button. The work initiation selection unit 11 is activated by the operator from an initial switching state A by pressing it ( Fig. 4a ) into a pressure switching state D ( Fig. 4b ) can be brought into position by changing the position of the button. After releasing the button, the work initiation selection unit 11 automatically returns to the initial switching state A and the corresponding position of the button (indicated by the arrow in Fig. 4b The speed of the drive unit 101 can be adjusted via the electrical contact in pressure switch state A by switching between an idle speed and a load speed. Pressure switch state A is maintained until the work initiation selector unit 11 is actuated again, or the ignition unit 13 is switched off. This ensures that the soil compactor 100 always starts in idle mode and not in a vibrating state when the ignition unit 13 is re-ignited.

[0039] The electric vibration speed switch 12 has according to Fig. 5a und 5b The vibration speed switch 12 has two switching states. It has a first switching state S1 and a second switching state S2, each corresponding to a low or high load speed, respectively. The switch 12 can be toggled between these two states by changing its position, and it remains in that position after the change.

[0040] After Fig. 6 The control unit 20 has at least one interface 21 to which a cable 106 is connected, linking the control unit 20 to the drive unit 101. The control elements 10, in particular the work input selector 11 and the vibration speed switch 12, are connected to the control unit 20 via a cable 113. A voltage divider and / or a resistor network is arranged between the cable 113 and the interface 21, which converts the switching states of the work input selector 11 and the vibration speed switch 12 into defined output voltages. These defined output voltages are then used as input signals before the interface 21 to generate a control voltage for a fuel pump. The control unit 20 can thus be adjusted by means of the control elements 10.In addition, the control unit 20 has at least one interface 23, via which at least one component for monitoring the engine status 105 is connected to the control unit 20 via a cable 107.

[0041] The control unit 20 controls a fuel pump 108 via interface 21 to regulate the speed of the drive unit 101. For this purpose, the control unit 20 includes a voltage sensor 22, the output voltage of which is variable for speed control. The voltage sensor can be a voltage divider and / or a resistor network. Alternatively, continuously variable controllers can be used to regulate the output voltage either in steps or continuously. The user operates the control elements 10.

[0042] According to Fig. 7 A fuel pump 108 is provided on the drive unit 101, which supplies the drive unit 101 with fuel, the fuel delivery rate being correlated with the rotational speed of the drive unit 101. The output voltage of the voltage sensor 22 is the control voltage of this fuel pump 108. The fuel delivery rate correlates with the control voltage of the fuel pump 108. Thus, the rotational speed can be adjusted by varying the output voltage.

[0043] In addition, a clutch, in particular a centrifugal clutch 103, is provided for power transmission between the drive unit 101 and the schematically indicated vibration sensor 104, which is disengaged at the idle speed of the drive unit 101 and engaged at a load speed.

[0044] The soil compactor 100 also has components for motor monitoring 105, which are provided on the drive unit 101. Bezugszeichenliste

[0045] 1 Engine control 10 Control elements 11 Work input selection unit 12 Vibration speed switch 13 Ignition unit 14 Direction of travel selection unit 20 Electronic control unit 21 Interface 22 Voltage sensor 23 Interface 50 Drawbar 51 Drawbar head 52 Drawbar shaft 53 Cavity 100 Hand-held soil compactor 101 Drive unit 102 Base plate 103 Clutch, centrifugal clutch 104 Vibration sensor 105 Components for monitoring engine condition 106 Wiring 107 Wiring 108 Fuel pump 111 Base body 112 Housing 113 Wiring 200 Ground A Output switching state D Pressure switching state S1 First switching state S2 Second switching state

Claims

1. Motor controller (1) for a hand-guided soil compactor (100), comprising control elements (10) for a user to operate the soil compactor (100), - wherein one control element (10) is configured as a work commencement selection unit (11), wherein the work commencement selection unit (11) is provided to adjust between idling and a load mode of a drive unit (101) for operating the vibration of a base plate (102) of the soil compactor (100), characterized in that - a further control element (10) is configured as a vibration speed switch (12), wherein the vibration speed switch (12) is provided to adjust the vibration frequency of the base plate (102), - wherein the vibration speed switch (12) provides discrete switching states, wherein a specific vibration frequency is assigned to a switching state of the vibration speed switch (12), and - wherein the rotational speed of the drive unit can be adjusted via the selection of the switching state of the vibration speed switch.

2. Motor controller (1) according to Claim 1, characterized in that it comprises an electronic control unit (20) for regulating the rotational speed of the drive unit (101).

3. Motor controller (1) according to the preceding Claim 2, characterized in that at least two different rotational speeds of the drive unit (101) can be set by means of the control unit (20).

4. Motor controller (1) according to either of the preceding Claims 2 or 3, characterized in that an idling rotational speed and / or a low load rotational speed and / or a higher load rotational speed of the drive unit (101) can be set by means of the control unit (20).

5. Motor controller (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the control unit (20) actuates a fuel pump (108) in order to regulate the rotational speed of the drive unit (101).

6. Motor controller (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the control unit (20) comprises a voltage supply (22), wherein the output voltage of the latter can be varied in order to regulate the rotational speed.

7. Drawbar (50) for a hand-guided soil compactor (100), having the motor controller (1) according to one of the preceding claims.

8. Drawbar (50) according to Claim 7, characterized in that it has a drawbar head (51) at one end of a drawbar shaft (52), wherein the motor controller (1) is arranged in or on the drawbar shaft (52) and / or in or on the drawbar head (51).

9. Hand-guided soil compactor (100) with a motor controller (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 6 and / or with a drawbar (50) according to either of Claims 7 or 8.

10. Hand-guided soil compactor (100) according to Claim 9, having a clutch (103) and a drive unit (101), wherein the clutch (103) can be engaged or disengaged in a manner which is dependent on the rotational speed of the drive unit (101).

11. Hand-guided soil compactor (100) according to Claim 9 or 10, having a base plate (102) and a drive unit (101), wherein the vibration frequency of the base plate (102) is configured proportionally with respect to the rotational speed of the drive unit (101).

12. Method for operating a hand-guided soil compactor (100), wherein a vibration speed switch (12) is actuated in order to select a vibration frequency of a base plate (102), characterized in that the vibration speed switch (12) provides discrete switching states, wherein a specific vibration frequency is assigned to a switching state of the vibration speed switch (12), the rotational speed of the drive unit is adjusted via the selection of the switching states, and wherein switching is carried out between discrete vibration frequencies.

13. Method for operating a hand-guided soil compactor (100) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the soil compactor (100) has a motor controller (1) according to one of the preceding Claims 1 to 6 and / or a drawbar (50) according to either of Claims 7 or 8 and / or a soil compactor (100) according to one of Claims 9 to 11 is used.