Compact mobile suction system

Abstract

The invention relates to a mobile suction system (1) for lifting material using a suction vacuum, comprising a vacuum generator (13) for generating the suction vacuum, a drive (19) for driving the vacuum generator (13), wherein the drive (19) has a drive shaft (25), and a vacuum generator coupling (41) for selective power transmission from the drive (19) to the vacuum generator (13). The vacuum generator coupling (41) is designed as a magnetic coupling (43). The invention further relates to a system comprising a mobile suction system (1) and a transport trailer for the mobile suction system (1), a method (200) for controlling a mobile suction system (1), and a computer program.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile suction system for excavating suction material using a suction vacuum. The mobile suction system comprises a vacuum generator for generating the suction vacuum and a drive for driving the vacuum generator, wherein the drive has a drive shaft. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising a mobile suction system and a transport trailer, a method for controlling a mobile suction system, and a computer program product.

[0002] Excavation of soil material is one of the most common activities on construction sites. When building buildings or bridges, excavation is usually used to create foundations or basements. Backhoes are usually used for this purpose, as they can move large quantities of excavated material. Soil material is also excavated when laying or renovating pipes and cables in the ground in order to expose the cables or pipes or to create trenches intended for their installation. In undeveloped areas, backhoes are also usually used for this purpose. In densely built-up areas, however, the use of backhoes may not be possible and there is also a risk of damaging channels, pipes or cables already in the ground. The sensitive root systems of trees or other plants can also be damaged. In many cases, therefore, a more careful excavation of soil material is necessary.

[0003] Suction excavators almost completely prevent damage to roots, pipes, canals, or cables when excavating soil. Instead of mechanical removal with shovels, suction excavators use a suction vacuum to excavate the material. The material to be excavated is sucked in using negative pressure and then usually collected in the suction excavator's suction container. The operation of a suction excavator is similar to that of a household vacuum cleaner, but on a much larger scale. The required suction vacuum is provided by a vacuum generator. The suction vacuum, which in this context refers to a negative pressure below ambient pressure and not a complete vacuum, creates a pressure difference that transports the material to be excavated through a suction hose into the suction container. Suction excavators are particularly suitable for vacuuming cohesive soils such as sand, earth, gravel, and loose stones. Mud and water can also be vacuumed away.This enables the use of suction dredgers to clean pipes and channels.

[0004] Conventional suction excavators are usually mounted on a truck chassis and have a deadweight of 18 tons or more. One such suction excavator is known, for example, from DE 20 2010 007 463 U1. This type of suction excavator cannot be used, or can only be used to a limited extent, in difficult-to-access areas such as sidewalks or rough terrain. Furthermore, the use of conventional large suction excavators is often not cost-effective, especially for small jobs with comparatively small excavation volumes. Furthermore, a large suction excavator mounted on a truck chassis can only be driven by persons with a valid driver's license.

[0005] A compact mobile suction system for lifting suction material using a suction vacuum is known from GB 2572193 B. This mobile suction system comprises a motor whose motor shaft is coupled to a vacuum generator via a speed-controlled centrifugal clutch. In this suction system, the vacuum generator is activated solely depending on the speed of the motor. This limits the flexibility of use of the disclosed suction system. Furthermore, the service life of the centrifugal clutch is limited, particularly when the suction system is operated in a slip range of the centrifugal clutch. Due to the fixed coupling between the vacuum generator and the motor, the integration of additional components that are to be driven by the motor is only possible to a limited extent.

[0006] There is therefore a need for mobile suction systems for lifting suction material using a suction vacuum, which allow a compact design, are flexible in use, have a long service life and / or allow long maintenance cycles.

[0007] In a first aspect, the invention achieves the above-mentioned object by means of a mobile suction system of the aforementioned type, which has a vacuum generator coupling for selectively transmitting power from the drive to the vacuum generator, wherein the vacuum generator coupling is a magnetic coupling. Typically, the mobile suction system further comprises a flexible suction hose or suction nozzle, a suction container for collecting sucked-in suction material, a tilting device for emptying the suction container, and / or a chassis, in particular a tracked or crawler chassis. However, to achieve the above-mentioned object, a drive unit of the mobile suction system comprising the vacuum generator and the drive is of particular importance, which is why a more detailed description of this unit is provided first, and the other features of the suction system will be discussed in more detail later.

[0008] In particular, the mobile suction system according to the invention is characterized by the vacuum generator clutch designed as a magnetic clutch. The vacuum generator clutch is preferably a pole friction clutch. A magnetic clutch can be switched independently of the speed. The vacuum generator can thus be used across the entire speed range of the drive and is not dependent on the fixed speed of a centrifugal clutch. This way, switching on the vacuum generator can be prevented, for example, even at high drive speeds. The maximum power of the drive, which is usually present at high speeds, can thus be fully utilized for secondary systems. Furthermore, the vacuum generator can be switched on even at low speeds, for example, to provide a low suction vacuum, which can be used, for example, in sensitive areas.This allows particularly precise material removal in critical areas and / or prevents damage to fine roots.

[0009] A magnetic coupling enables a particularly compact design, especially in the axial direction of the drive shaft. Large mechanical actuating elements are generally unnecessary. For example, a magnetic coupling can be connected and controlled via electrical cables, which require comparatively little installation space. This allows for a particularly compact drive unit and frees up more space for other components. Integration of the coupling is also made easier because electrical cables can be routed flexibly. Furthermore, magnetic couplings are lightweight compared to conventional switchable clutches.

[0010] Furthermore, magnetic couplings are particularly suitable for connecting vacuum generators and drives or drive shafts. The vacuum generator is preferably designed as a compressor, particularly a radial compressor. The power consumption of such a compressor is approximately proportional to the square of the speed. At high speeds, therefore, high power transfer occurs when the coupling is engaged. The magnetic coupling can be engaged particularly quickly and reliably, thus achieving a long service life and long maintenance intervals.

[0011] The drive is preferably or comprises an internal combustion engine, in particular a diesel engine. However, it can also be provided that the drive comprises an electric motor or a small gas turbine. It should be understood that the vacuum generator is intended to generate a suction air flow. However, ambient pressure prevails in the free space in front of a suction hose or the like used to suck in the suction material. The partial suction vacuum (or negative pressure) provided by the vacuum generator serves to drive the suction air flow.

[0012] The vacuum generator clutch is designed and suitable for selective power transmission from the drive to the vacuum generator. Depending on the switching position of the vacuum generator clutch, power can be transmitted from the drive to the vacuum generator or not. The vacuum generator clutch is therefore designed for the selective transmission of drive power and can also be referred to as a switchable clutch. In contrast to switchable clutches, rigid clutches permanently connect the drive to the vacuum generator. Speed-controlled clutches, in particular centrifugal clutches, are also not designed for selective power transmission (or are not switchable), since power transmission between the drive and the vacuum generator cannot be freely selected or selected independently of the speed.

[0013] In a first preferred embodiment, the vacuum generator coupling is directly connected to the drive shaft of the drive. The direct connection to the drive shaft is made possible by the compact design of the vacuum generator coupling, which is designed as a magnetic coupling. A direct connection is made in particular without the interposition of a gearbox. However, even with a direct connection, an adapter, an intermediate sleeve, or a similar connecting element can be present between the vacuum generator coupling and the drive shaft. A direct connection is characterized in particular by an essentially identical speed of the drive shaft and the sub-element of the vacuum generator coupling directly connected to it. Due to the direct connection, the magnetic coupling can also advantageously be operated at comparatively low absolute speeds.

[0014] The mobile suction system preferably further comprises a vacuum generator gear unit arranged between the vacuum generator coupling and a vacuum generator shaft of the vacuum generator. The vacuum generator shaft is an input shaft of the vacuum generator, which is used to drive it. In a vacuum generator designed as a radial compressor, the input shaft drives the rotor of the radial compressor. The vacuum generator gear unit is preferably designed as a belt drive or has such a belt drive. A belt drive enables a high transmission or a significant transmission ratio in a simple and compact manner. In addition, belt drives are particularly lightweight, which allows the overall weight of the suction system to be kept low. The belt can also be guided around other components of the drive unit, thus allowing a particularly compact design. The vacuum generator gear unit preferably has a transmission ratio of less than 1.When the vacuum generator clutch is closed, the speed of the vacuum generator shaft is higher than the speed of the drive shaft. In this configuration, the direct connection of the vacuum generator clutch to the drive shaft is particularly advantageous, as the clutch is subjected to comparatively low speeds. The vacuum generator clutch can be made even more compact, as it must be designed for lower mechanical loads.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile suction system further comprises a compressor for providing compressed air. Preferably, the mobile suction system also includes a compressor clutch for selectively transmitting power from the drive to the compressor. The compressor clutch can also be or comprise a magnetic clutch. The compressor is preferably a piston compressor, but can also be designed as a turbo compressor or screw compressor. The compressor provides compressed air that can be used for various purposes. In preferred variants, the suction system has a compressed air applicator designed to loosen suction material using a compressed air jet. The compressed air applicator can, for example, be attached to a suction hose of the suction system. In this way, suction material to be removed can first be loosened using compressed air and then sucked away using a vacuum.Alternatively or additionally, the compressed air can also be used to clean the suction system's filters, operate pneumatic cylinders, and / or operate external devices. Integrating the compressor expands the suction system's application range and increases its flexibility. Carrying a separate compressor on a construction site is no longer necessary. The preferred compressor clutch enables the compressor to be selectively switched on and off. The drive's power can thus be used in a particularly targeted manner. This ensures particularly high performance in stand-alone operation. Furthermore, particularly sustainable operation is possible, and the environment is protected.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile suction system has a compressor gear, which is particularly preferably provided between the compressor clutch and the drive shaft of the drive. The compressor gear is preferably designed as a belt drive. By providing a compressor gear, the compressor can be operated in an ideal speed range, thereby increasing the efficiency of the mobile suction system. Furthermore, the provision of a compressor gear enables increased flexibility in the relative arrangement of the drive, vacuum generator, and compressor. This flexibility enables a particularly compact design of the suction crawler. Preferably, the compressor gear has a gear ratio of less than 1. The gear ratio of the compressor gear is preferably smaller than the gear ratio of the vacuum generator gear, if provided.

[0017] In a preferred variant of the mobile suction system, a vacuum generator shaft of the vacuum generator is essentially axially parallel to the drive shaft of the drive and / or a compressor shaft of the compressor is essentially axially parallel to the drive shaft of the drive. Angular gears are not necessary, which allows for a particularly high level of efficiency of the suction system. The vacuum generator shaft, the compressor shaft, and the drive shaft can be located in a common plane, but this is not required.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the vacuum generator and the compressor are arranged one behind the other in a tandem configuration in an axial direction of the drive, with the drive being arranged offset transversely to the axial direction relative to the vacuum generator and the compressor. The axial direction is defined by the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft. The tandem configuration describes an arrangement of the vacuum generator and the compressor one behind the other. The axes of the vacuum generator and the compressor can be congruent. The preferred arrangement with the vacuum generator and compressor in a tandem configuration and with the drive offset transversely to this tandem in the axial direction enables a particularly compact design. Thus, the axial length of the vacuum generator and the compressor can be shorter than the axial length of the drive.The tandem configuration allows for a flat design compared to a relative offset of the compressor and vacuum generator perpendicular to the axial direction. Furthermore, a central and low center of gravity of the mobile vacuum system can be achieved, preventing tipping of the mobile vacuum system even on rough terrain. Preferably, the vacuum generator and compressor are arranged in the same quadrant, perpendicular to the drive axis. This arrangement is preferred regardless of the tandem design. The drive axis extends through the center of the reference system in which the quadrants are defined, and is perpendicular to it. The quadrants are of identical size.

[0019] The mobile suction system preferably further comprises a control unit, wherein the control unit is designed to control the drive and to close or open the vacuum generator clutch for selectively transmitting drive power from the drive to the vacuum generator. However, the control unit can also be designed to control only the drive or only to open and close the vacuum generator clutch. The integration of both functionalities in one control unit, however, enables particularly safe operation of the suction system since, for example, closing of the vacuum generator clutch at unsuitable operating points of the drive is avoided. For example, the control unit can prevent the vacuum generator clutch from closing if the motor speed is too high. The control unit is preferably designed to control the speed of the drive. The control unit can, in particular, also regulate the drive.

[0020] In a particularly preferred development, the control unit is designed to reduce the speed of the drive from an output speed below the speed threshold in response to a suction request, to close the vacuum generator clutch when the speed is reduced below the speed threshold, and preferably to automatically increase the speed to the output speed after the vacuum generator clutch has been closed. A suction request is a request to provide suction vacuum provided by a user or a central unit, which can also be the control unit. For example, a user of the suction system can submit a suction request to the control unit by actuating a switch or a symbol on a touchscreen or wirelessly via radio or via a cloud service. In response to the suction request, the control unit reduces the speed of the drive below a speed threshold.This speed threshold can be predefined, for example and preferably to a value of 1200 rpm or less, preferably 1100 rpm or less, preferably 1000 rpm or less, particularly preferably 900 rpm or less. Only when the drive speed falls below the speed threshold does the control unit close the vacuum generator clutch.

[0021] The power consumption of the vacuum generator is directly proportional to its speed and, in the case of a radial compressor, can even be proportional to the square of the speed. The vacuum generator therefore consumes particularly high power at high speeds. Furthermore, the vacuum generator's inertia must first be overcome when it is switched on. If the vacuum generator clutch is closed at high drive shaft speeds, this results in a particularly high load on the components transmitting the power and the drive. Because the control unit only closes the vacuum generator clutch when the drive speed falls below the speed threshold, the drive shaft, the vacuum generator shaft, the vacuum generator gearbox, the vacuum generator clutch and / or the drive itself can be dimensioned smaller. This enables significant cost savings and the use of more compact components.The mobile suction system can thus be designed to be particularly lightweight and compact. If the control unit is configured to automatically increase the drive speed after the clutch is engaged, use is significantly simplified and user acceptance is improved.

[0022] The mobile suction system is preferably a self-propelled mobile suction system. The mobile suction system then preferably comprises a drive. The drive is intended to drive a chain or crawler chassis. Alternatively, the drive can also drive wheels of the suction system, for example. The self-propelled suction system can move automatically to a site and does not need to be finally positioned using a crane or trailer. However, it should be understood that the self-propelled suction system can only be used for relocating it on the construction site or for assuming its final position, while transport to and from a construction site is carried out using a trailer, low-loader, or similar device. The drive is preferably a hydraulic drive.

[0023] The mobile suction system is preferably a driverless mobile suction system. A driverless suction system can be controlled by a human user and therefore does not have to be completely autonomous. An operator does not need to be on the suction system while driving. For example, the suction system can be remotely controlled, although remote control of the suction system is also preferred in non-driverless variants. A driverless suction system does not require a human driver to sit or stand on the suction system while driving. However, the suction system can be provided with a step plate or similar on which a driver can ride with the suction system. A driverless suction system is particularly designed without a cockpit or cockpit-less. The driverless suction system preferably does not include a man-machine interface fixed to the suction system for controlling a travel of the mobile suction system.In particular, a steering wheel and accelerator pedal can be dispensed with. However, it should be understood that a driverless vacuum system does not necessarily prevent a person from riding in the vehicle. For example, a person could sit on a vacuum container while driving, even though this was unintentional and, especially for safety reasons, is impermissible.

[0024] The suction system preferably comprises a suction unit that encloses the vacuum generator. This suction unit can have a filter that is designed, in particular, to filter suction material from a suction air stream. The suction system can be designed to apply compressed air from the compressor to the filter for cleaning. The suction unit is preferably designed to clean the filter cyclically by applying compressed air.

[0025] In a preferred variant, the mobile suction system comprises a suction material container for collecting suction material that is sucked in using the suction vacuum. A vibration device can also be provided, which is designed to apply vibrations to the suction material container. The vibration device comprises, for example, a vibration motor that drives an imbalance. Residual suction material is removed from the suction material container particularly reliably by the application of vibrations. The suction system preferably comprises a tilting mechanism for emptying the suction material container. For example, the suction material container can be designed as a trough or comprise a trough that is tilted or pivoted about a tilting edge for emptying. The trough preferably comprises a lid. The tilting mechanism preferably comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder for tilting the suction material container.Tilting preferably occurs around a pivot axis of the suction material container. The pivot axis is particularly preferably arranged on a top side of the suction material container or, in the non-tilted starting position, at a vertical distance from the bottom of the suction material container. The pivot axis defines a tipping edge over which suction material is poured from the suction material container. A high tipping edge facilitates the transfer of suction material from the suction material container into a rubble container or other containers. A base frame of the mobile suction system can have coupling points to the suction material container that define the pivot axis. These coupling points are preferably arranged on support arms of the frame that extend at least partially vertically (obliquely or perpendicularly) upwards.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the mobile suction system comprises a fill level measuring device designed to measure the fill level of the suction material container. A fill level measuring device is also preferred if no vibration motor is provided. The fill level measuring device is preferably designed for contactless measurement of the fill level. In particular, the fill level measuring device can be or comprise a radar unit. The fill level measuring device can reliably detect the fill level, particularly when the suction system is remotely controlled or when the suction material container does not allow external viewing. Overloading of the suction system or a loss of suction power due to an overfilled suction material container can be avoided.

[0027] The suction system can preferably have an inclination sensor that can determine the inclination of the suction system in one or more axes from the horizontal. The control unit is preferably configured to issue a warning signal and / or stop the drive of the suction system if a detected inclination of the suction system exceeds a tilt limit. This effectively prevents the suction system from tipping over. The risk of injury to operating personnel is significantly reduced.

[0028] The suction system preferably comprises a suction arm for sucking up the suction material, which is connected to the vacuum generator. The suction arm can also be referred to as a suction nozzle. In a particularly preferred variant, the suction arm is designed as a power arm. A power arm can be guided manually by a user, but supports the operator during movement. For example, pneumatic cylinders, hydraulic cylinders or electric drives can be provided to support the movement of the suction arm. Operating personnel then only have to use a small amount of force to move the suction arm. This allows the suction system to be used for a long time without or with only little fatigue. Alternatively, the power arm can also be fully remote-controlled. A suction arm as described above can also be intended for use with other suction systems or suction excavators. A suction arm which has one or more of the aforementioned aspects and / or one or more of the features described later with reference toFig. 4 mentioned features, should therefore also be able to be used independently of the suction system and a suction connection of the suction system.

[0029] In preferred developments, the mobile suction system allows remote maintenance. The mobile suction system preferably comprises a communications unit. The mobile communications unit can be designed for wireless communication, in particular using one of the mobile radio standards GPRS, EDGE (2G), UMTS (3G), LTE (4G) or 5G and / or using Bluetooth. The communications unit is preferably adapted to send sensor data and / or control data to a control unit of the mobile suction system. Alternatively or additionally, the communications unit can also allow remote access to the control unit. The mobile suction system can, for example and preferably, have one or more sensors for recording operating data. Such operating data are or represent, for example, one or more operating temperatures, a number of operating hours, one or more vibration variables, one or more oil pressures and / or a fill level of the suction material container.Operating data can then be sent from the communication unit to a receiver and / or provided by remote access to the control unit.

[0030] In a second aspect, the invention solves the problem mentioned above by a system comprising a mobile suction system according to the first aspect of the invention and a transport trailer for the mobile suction system. The system weight or the total mass of the system is preferably 3.5 t or less. The transport trailer is provided for transporting the suction system. For example, the suction system can be transported to a construction site on the transport trailer. It should be understood that the suction system can nevertheless be self-propelled. The total weight of 3.5 t or less enables the use of regular cars as a towing vehicle. In most countries, the operating personnel then do not require a special driving license to tow the system with a car. The transport trailer is preferably a two-axle trailer, in particular a two-axle central axle trailer. The transport trailer preferably has a width of 2 m or less.

[0031] In a third aspect, the invention solves the problem mentioned above by a method for controlling a mobile suction system for lifting suction material using a suction vacuum, the method comprising the steps of: detecting a suction request, preferably from a user or a higher-level unit; determining an output speed of a drive of the mobile suction system, which is provided for driving a vacuum generator of the mobile suction system; reducing a speed of the drive below a speed threshold if the output speed is above the speed threshold, in response to detecting the suction request; closing a vacuum generator clutch for transmitting drive power of the drive to the vacuum generator at a reduced speed; increasing the speed of the drive to the output speed after closing the vacuum generator clutch.The method can prevent the vacuum generator clutch from closing and thus the vacuum generator from being switched on at high drive speeds. This prevents high and, in particular, sudden loads on the drive and the power-transmitting components. The method is preferably intended for controlling a mobile suction system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0032] Preferably, the increase in the speed of the drive takes place with a first speed ramp of 1000 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 700 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 600 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 500 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 400 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 350 (rpm) / sec or less.

[0033] In a preferred development, the method further comprises the steps of: detecting a user's compressor request; determining a second output speed of the drive, which is further provided for driving a compressor of the mobile suction system; reducing a speed of the drive below a second speed threshold if the output speed is above the second speed threshold in response to detecting the compressor request; closing a compressor clutch to transfer drive power of the drive to the compressor at a reduced speed; increasing the speed of the drive to the second output speed after closing the compressor clutch. The second speed threshold can also be identical to the first speed threshold.The speed is then reduced below this speed threshold both in response to a compressor request and in response to a suction request, provided that the drive speed is above this speed before the corresponding request is detected. Increasing the speed after the compressor clutch is closed can also be done with a speed ramp, which can be identical to or different from the first speed ramp. Preferably, the compressor clutch and the vacuum generator clutch are closed simultaneously if both a suction request and a compressor request are detected. However, it can also be provided that the compressor clutch is closed before or after the vacuum generator clutch in such a case.

[0034] In a fourth aspect, the invention achieves the aforementioned object with a computer program product comprising program code means that, when the computer program product is executed on a data processing unit, implements a method according to the third aspect of the invention. Preferably, the method is executed on a control unit of a mobile suction system, in particular a mobile suction system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0035] It should be understood that the mobile suction system according to the first aspect of the invention, the system according to the second aspect of the invention, the method according to the third aspect of the invention, and the computer program product according to the fourth aspect of the invention may have the same and similar sub-aspects, as set out in particular in the dependent claims for the mobile suction system according to the first aspect of the invention. Therefore, for the system, the method, and the computer program product, reference is made in full to the above statements regarding the mobile suction system according to the first aspect of the invention.

[0036] Embodiments of the invention will now be described below with reference to the drawings. These are not necessarily intended to represent the embodiments to scale; rather, the drawings are schematic and / or slightly distorted where this is useful for explanation. With regard to additions to the teachings immediately apparent from the drawings, reference is made to the relevant prior art. It should be noted that numerous modifications and changes to the form and detail of an embodiment can be made without deviating from the general idea of ​​the invention. The features of the invention disclosed in the description, in the drawings and in the claims can be essential for the further development of the invention, both individually and in any combination.Furthermore, all combinations of at least two of the features disclosed in the description, the drawings and / or the claims fall within the scope of the invention. The general idea of ​​the invention is not limited to the exact form or detail of the preferred embodiments shown and described below, or limited to an object that would be more limited than the object claimed in the claims. For specified dimensioning ranges, values ​​within the stated limits are also intended to be disclosed as limit values ​​and to be used and claimed as desired. For the sake of simplicity, the same reference numerals are used below for identical or similar parts or parts with identical or similar functions.

[0037] Further advantages, features and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the preferred embodiments and from the drawings, which show: Fig. 1 is an isometric view of a mobile suction system; Fig. 2 is a schematic plan view of the drive unit of the mobile suction system; Fig. 3 is a view of the drive unit in the axial direction; Fig. 4 is a side view of a suction arm of the mobile suction system; Fig. 5 is a side view of the mobile suction system with the suction container tilted for emptying; Fig. 6a is a schematic block diagram illustrating the sequence of a method for controlling a mobile suction system; Fig. 6b is a diagram illustrating the time course of the speed of the drive of the mobile suction system during Fig. 6a illustrated method; and in Fig. 7 a view of the mobile suction system on a commercially available trailer.

[0038] Fig. 1 shows an isometric view of a mobile vacuum system 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the mobile vacuum system 1 is a self-propelled mobile vacuum system 1 with a crawler track 3. The crawler track 3 is operated via a remote control (not shown). The mobile vacuum system 1 is therefore a driverless mobile vacuum system 1. Thus, in the illustrated embodiment, no cockpit for a human driver is provided.

[0039] The crawler track 3 carries a base frame 5, on which a suction material container 7 and a drive unit 9 are arranged. The mobile suction system 1 is designed to suck in suction material using a suction vacuum. The suction vacuum is generated by a vacuum generator 13 (see Fig. Fig. 2 ) of the drive unit 9. By means of a Fig. 1 suction arm 15 not shown (cf. Fig. 4 ), the suction material is sucked in and conveyed into the suction material container 7. A suction connection 17 is provided on a cover of the suction material container 7 for connecting the suction arm 15.

[0040] The suction vacuum provided by the vacuum generator 13 generates an air flow similar to the principle of a household vacuum cleaner, which entrains the material to be lifted out and conveys it through the suction arm 15 into the suction material container 7. The structure of the suction arm 15 will be described later with reference to Fig. 4 explained further. The mobile suction system 1 enables the excavation of trenches or holes without direct mechanical impact on the soil material. In particular, there is no shovel provided that digs into the ground to remove soil material. The mobile suction system 1, which can also be referred to as a suction crawler, is therefore particularly suitable for quickly exposing tree roots, plants, and buried utility lines without damaging them.

[0041] In the preferred embodiment shown, the mobile suction system 1 is particularly compact and has a width (transverse to the chains of the crawler track 3 or in a transverse direction R2) of less than 1.5 m. This allows the suction system 1 to be used even in hard-to-reach locations. For example, the mobile suction system 1 can travel along sidewalks. The crawler track 3 allows movement on loose ground and prevents the mobile suction system 1 from sinking. Anchor points 11 on the base frame 5 of the mobile suction system 1 allow the mobile suction system 1 to be lifted by means of a crane or excavator. This allows the mobile suction system 1 to be transported to a location particularly easily.

[0042] The advantage of the mobile suction system 1 lies in its compactness, which in the illustrated embodiment is achieved primarily through the design of the drive unit 9. A drive unit 9, which requires only a small amount of installation space, offers the advantage that, despite the overall compact size of the mobile suction system 1, a large-volume suction material container 7 can still be provided. A large-volume suction material container 7 needs to be emptied less frequently during use of the mobile suction system 1, thereby improving the absolute performance when using the mobile suction system 1.

[0043] In addition to the vacuum generator 13, the drive unit 9 of the mobile suction system 1 comprises a drive 19 and a compressor 21 ( Fig. 2 ). The compressor 21 provides compressed air. This compressed air can be applied to the surface via a compressed air hose (not shown in the figures) in order to loosen the vacuumed material and thus improve the removal performance of the mobile vacuum system 1. Alternatively or additionally, the compressed air can also be used to drive other components, in particular to drive external compressed air tools. For this purpose, a supply coupling can be provided on the mobile vacuum system 1, which allows the connection of conventional compressed air couplings. The integration of the compressor 21 expands the area of ​​application of the mobile vacuum system 1 and also facilitates construction site logistics, since there is no need to carry a separate compressor. However, the additional compressor 21 represents an additional challenge in achieving the compact design, which was successfully overcome by the variant of the mobile vacuum system 1 shown.

[0044] Fig. 2 illustrates the arrangement of the drive 19, the vacuum generator 13 and the compressor 21. Fig. 2 corresponds to a view of the drive unit from above, i.e. in the direction of the Fig. 1 shown arrow 23. The components of the drive unit 9 are in Fig. 2 Represented by blocks for simplicity. The drive 19 has a drive shaft 25, which here is aligned essentially parallel to a longitudinal direction R1 of the mobile suction system 1. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive 19 drives both the vacuum generator 13 and the compressor 21 via the drive shaft 25. By driving both the compressor 21 and the vacuum generator 13 via the same drive 19, the drive unit 9 can be designed to be particularly compact, since separate drives are no longer necessary.

[0045] The compactness of the drive unit 9 is further enhanced by the Fig. 2 The tandem configuration of vacuum generator 13 and compressor 21 shown is achieved. The vacuum generator 13 and the compressor 21 are arranged one behind the other in an axial direction R1 of the drive 19, which here corresponds to the longitudinal direction R1 of the mobile suction system 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown, both a vacuum generator shaft 27 of the vacuum generator 13 and a compressor shaft 29 of the compressor 21 are essentially axially parallel to the drive shaft 25 of the drive 19. However, it can also be provided that the vacuum generator shaft 27 and / or the compressor shaft 29 enclose an angle with the drive shaft 25.

[0046] The tandem of compressor 21 and vacuum generator 13 is arranged transversely to the axial direction R1 of the drive 19, in this case in the transverse direction R2 of the mobile suction system 1, laterally offset from the drive 19. This allows the overall length of the drive unit 9 to be reduced in the longitudinal direction R1 of the suction system 1. The drive 19, designed as a diesel engine in the preferred embodiment, has a greater axial length (in the axial direction R1) than the vacuum generator 13 and the compressor 21. The lateral offset allows for a compact design.

[0047] In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum generator 13 is a radial compressor whose rotor is driven by the vacuum generator shaft 27 to provide the suction vacuum. The compressor 21 is a piston compressor, but in variants, for example, it can also be designed as a screw compressor.

[0048] The vacuum generator shaft 27 of the vacuum generator 13 is connected to the drive 19 via a vacuum generator gear 31. The vacuum generator gear 31 is a belt drive 33. A driven pulley 35 of the belt drive 33, which is directly connected to the vacuum generator shaft 27, is connected to a drive pulley 39 of the belt drive 33 via a belt 37. The diameter of the driven pulley 35 is smaller than the diameter of the drive pulley 39, so that the belt drive 33 has a transmission ratio of less than 1. The vacuum generator shaft 27 therefore runs at a higher speed than the drive shaft 25 of the drive 19.

[0049] A switchable vacuum generator clutch 41 is provided for the selective transmission of drive power from drive 19 to vacuum generator 13. Vacuum generator 41 is designed to establish and interrupt the operative connection between drive 19 and vacuum generator 13. This is also referred to as opening and closing vacuum generator clutch 41. When vacuum generator clutch 41 is open, vacuum generator shaft 27 is not operatively connected to drive shaft 25 of drive 19. If a suction vacuum is to be provided for the suction of suction material, vacuum generator clutch 41 is closed, so that drive power is transmitted from drive 19 to vacuum generator 13. When vacuum generator clutch 41 is closed, an operative connection exists between drive 19 and vacuum generator 13.

[0050] The vacuum generator clutch 41 is arranged between the drive shaft 25 of the drive 19 and the vacuum generator gear 31. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum generator clutch 41 is provided between the drive shaft 25 and the drive pulley 39 of the belt drive 33. When the vacuum generator clutch 41 is open, the drive shaft 25 rotates independently of the drive pulley 39. If, however, the vacuum generator clutch 41 is closed, the drive pulley 39 rotates essentially synchronously with the drive shaft 25.

[0051] The vacuum generator 13, designed as a radial compressor, has a high power consumption. The provided switchable vacuum generator clutch 41 allows the power transmission from the drive 19 to the vacuum generator 13 to be selectively interrupted. This allows the vacuum generator 13 to be switched off when no suction vacuum is required, significantly reducing the overall energy consumption of the mobile suction system. Furthermore, the power of the drive 19 can be fully utilized to drive other components when the vacuum generator clutch 41 is open.

[0052] The vacuum generator coupling 41 is designed as a magnetic coupling 43. By using a magnetic coupling 43 as the vacuum generator coupling 41, a particularly compact drive unit 9 is achieved. Thus, contrary to the simplified illustration in Fig. 2 be arranged essentially radially between the drive pulley 39 of the belt drive 33 and the drive shaft 25 of the drive 19. This saves axial installation space or installation space in the axial direction R1. Furthermore, the magnetic coupling 43 is electrically controllable. This enables, on the one hand, partially or fully automated electronic control of the magnetic coupling 43 by a control unit 45 and, on the other hand, eliminates the need for mechanical or hydraulic actuating elements of the vacuum generator coupling 41. The electrical lines required to provide the required electrical energy are small and easy to install compared to hydraulic lines.

[0053] The magnetic coupling 43 is preferably closed when energized. This means that the magnetic coupling 43 transmits drive power from the drive 19 to the vacuum generator 13, provided it is supplied with (sufficient) electrical power. This increases the safety of the mobile suction system 1, since the magnetic coupling 43 opens automatically if the control unit 45 fails due to a fault or the power supply is otherwise interrupted. For example, in the event of an electrical fault in the mobile suction system 1, overloading of the drive 19 can be prevented, since the magnetic coupling 43 opens automatically and interrupts the operative connection between the drive 19 and the vacuum generator 13.

[0054] Preferably, the vacuum generator clutch 41 is a pole friction clutch. The pole friction clutch here is a friction clutch that can have one or more pole surfaces.

[0055] The pole friction clutch comprises a coil former, an armature disk, and a rotor. The coil former encloses a magnetic coil. When energized, a magnetic field builds up. A magnetic force caused by the magnetic field presses the rotor, arranged on the drive shaft 25, against an armature disk of the magnetic coupling 43, which is connected to the drive disk 39. The magnetic coupling 43 is thus closed for power transmission. The coil former itself is stationary, which significantly simplifies the design of the magnetic coupling 43. When the power supply to the magnetic coil is interrupted, an air gap forms between the rotor and the armature disk, so that no mechanical power is transmitted between the drive disk 39 and the drive shaft 25. The separation of the rotor and armature disk can be assisted by reversing the polarity of the magnetic coil or by a reset device, in particular a diaphragm.

[0056] A compressor gear 47 connects the drive shaft 25 to the compressor 21. The compressor gear 47 is also designed as a belt drive 33. However, the compressor gear 47 has a larger gear ratio than the vacuum generator gear 31. A second drive pulley 49 of the compressor gear 47 has a smaller diameter than the drive pulley 39 of the vacuum generator gear 33. Furthermore, the diameter of a second driven pulley 51 of the compressor gear 47 is smaller than a diameter of the driven pulley 35 of the vacuum generator gear 31. The connection between the second drive pulley 49 and the second driven pulley 51 is made analogously to the vacuum generator gear 31 in the compressor gear 47 by means of a belt 37. The size ratios of the vacuum generator gear 31 and the compressor gear 47 are also particularly evident from Fig. 3 visible.

[0057] In the embodiment shown, the vacuum generator gear 31 has a gear ratio of 0.15 and the compressor gear 47 has a gear ratio of 0.75. Preferably, the vacuum generator gear 31 has a gear ratio of 0.25 or less, preferably 0.23 or less, preferably 0.21 or less, preferably 0.2 or less, preferably 0.19 or less, preferably 0.18 or less, preferably 0.17 or less, preferably 0.16 or less, preferably 0.15 or less, preferably 0.14 or less, preferably 0.13 or less, preferably 0.12 or less, preferably 0.11 or less, preferably 0.10 or less. The compressor gear 47 preferably has a gear ratio in a range of 0.2 to 1, preferably 0.3 to 1, preferably 0.3 to 0.9, preferably 0.4 to 0.9, preferably 0.5 to 0.9, preferably 0.6 to 0.9, preferably 0.6 to 0.8, preferably 0.7 to 0.8.A gear ratio (gear ratio of the compressor gear / gear ratio of the vacuum generator gear) here has a value of 5, but can preferably also have a value in a range of 2 to 8, preferably 3 to 7, particularly preferably 4 to 6.

[0058] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the second drive pulley 49 of the compressor gear 47 is directly connected to the drive shaft 25 of the drive 19. The direct connection can be made, for example, by a splined shaft connection or a keyed connection. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a compressor clutch 53 is provided between the second driven pulley 51 of the compressor gear 47 and the compressor shaft 29. Analogous to the vacuum generator clutch 41, the compressor clutch 53 enables selective power transmission from the drive 19. The compressor 21 can therefore be driven by the drive 19 or not, depending on the need to provide compressed air. The compressor clutch 53 is also designed here as a magnetic clutch 43. Alternatively, the compressor clutch 53 can also be or comprise a hydraulic clutch, for example.

[0059] The Fig. 2 The drive unit 9 shown enables a particularly compact design of the mobile suction system 1 while maintaining a high level of flexibility. The arrangement of the vacuum generator gear 31 between the vacuum generator coupling 41 and the vacuum generator shaft 27 on the one hand and the arrangement of the compressor gear 47 between the drive shaft 25 of the drive 19 and the compressor coupling 53 on the other hand lead to optimal utilization of the available installation space. Only one of the couplings 41, 53 is directly connected to the drive shaft 25 of the drive 19, thereby reducing the axial length. The direct connection of the vacuum generator coupling 41 and the drive shaft 25 enables operation of the vacuum generator coupling 41 at a comparatively low speed. The vacuum generator coupling 41 can therefore be dimensioned comparatively small because lower centrifugal forces act on its components.

[0060] Fig. 3 illustrates the preferred arrangement of the compressor 21, the vacuum generator 13 and the drive 19 using a view in the axial direction R1. For simplification, Fig. 3 only the shafts of the mentioned components and the belts 37 of the compressor gear 47 and the vacuum generator gear 31 are shown. The course of the belts 37 also shows the significantly lower gear ratio of the vacuum generator gear 31 compared to the compressor gear 47. Furthermore, Fig. 3 that the vacuum generator shaft 27 and the compressor shaft 29 do not have to be congruent despite the tandem configuration. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the vacuum generator shaft 27 has a smaller absolute axial distance from the drive shaft 25 than the compressor shaft 29. A first axial distance A1 between the vacuum generator shaft 27 and the drive shaft 25 is therefore smaller than a second axial distance A2 between the compressor shaft 29 and the drive shaft 25. In an orthogonal coordinate system 57, whose axes 59 are perpendicular to one another and to the drive shaft 25, the compressor shaft 29 and the vacuum generator shaft 27 lie in the same quadrant 61. In alternative embodiments, however, it can also be provided that the compressor shaft 29 and the vacuum generator shaft 27 are arranged in different quadrants 61, in particular adjacent or opposite quadrants 61.

[0061] A center of the orthogonal coordinate system 57 or an intersection point of the axes 59 lies in the longitudinal axis of the drive shaft 25. As in Fig. 3 As shown, the axes 59 of the coordinate system 57 do not have to run horizontally or vertically. However, it can also be provided that at least one axis of the coordinate system is substantially parallel to the transverse direction R2 of the mobile suction system 1.

[0062] To drive the crawler chassis 3, the drive unit 9 further includes a hydraulic motor 63. The hydraulic motor 63 is directly coupled to the drive 19. In the illustrated embodiment, the hydraulic motor 63 is provided both for driving the crawler chassis 3 and for providing a lubricant supply to the drive unit 9. In addition to generating a vacuum by means of the vacuum generator 13 and supplying compressed air by the compressor 21, the drive 19 also serves to propel the mobile suction system 1.

[0063] Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of the suction arm 15. A machine end 65 of the suction arm 15 is provided for connection to the suction connection 17 of the suction material container 7. A connection piece 67 of the suction arm 15 enables the suction arm 15 to be pivoted about a connection axis AN. In a preferred variant, the suction arm 15 can be pivoted by 360° about the connection axis AN. However, it can also be provided that the suction arm 15 can be pivoted about the connection axis AN in a range of less than 360°, in particular between 0° and 270°. The connection axis AN is preferably essentially vertical when the mobile suction system 1 is on a level surface. A suction end 69 of the suction arm 15 provided for sucking up suction material can thus be pivoted by a user without the basic position of the mobile suction system 1 having to be changed.The suction arm 15 also allows a height adjustment of the suction end 69 parallel to the connection axis AN and a longitudinal displacement of the suction end 69 transverse to the connection axis AN. Within certain limits, the suction end 69 can thus be positioned essentially freely by a user, which significantly facilitates the use of the mobile suction system 1.

[0064] The suction end 69 can preferably be designed as an adapter designed for connecting various suction attachments. This allows the suction arm 15 to be easily adapted to the material to be vacuumed.

[0065] The usability of the mobile suction system 1 is further improved by the fact that the mobile suction arm 15 is designed here as a power arm 71. The power arm 71 comprises a suction hose 73, through which the suction material is conveyed to the suction material container 7, and a compensation device 75. The compensation device 75 is designed to partially or completely compensate for the weight of the suction arm 15. This means that a user is at least partially supported by the compensation device 75 when moving the suction arm 15, thereby preventing premature fatigue of the operating personnel.

[0066] The compensation device 75 here comprises several support segments 77, which are connected to one another via joints 79. The suction hose 73 is connected to the compensation device 75 via receptacles 81. To compensate for the weight of the suction arm 15, the compensation device 75 comprises several compensation cylinders 83. Here, the compensation cylinders 83 are gas pressure springs that absorb the weight of the suction arm 15 and facilitate adjustment of the suction arm 15 by a user. Alternatively or additionally, the compensation device 75 can also have one or more electric compensation drives. For example, such an electric compensation drive can drive the suction arm 15 via corresponding racks or other transmission elements.

[0067] As already explained above, the mobile suction system 1 uses the vacuum provided by the vacuum generator 13 to suck in the suction material. The suction material is conveyed via the suction arm 15 into the suction material container 7 connected thereto. The fill level of the suction material container 7 can be monitored by means of a fill level measuring device 85. The fill level measuring device 85 preferably comprises a radar sensor 87 which is designed for contactless determination of the fill level of the suction material container 7. In fig. 5 In the embodiment shown, the radar sensor 87 is connected to the control unit 45 and provides corresponding radar signals thereto. The control unit 45 determines the fill level of the suction material container 7 from the radar signals and displays the determined fill level on a screen 89. Furthermore, the control unit 45 can also transmit the fill level to a remote control (not shown).

[0068] As soon as the suction material container 7 reaches its maximum fill level, it must first be emptied in order to be able to continue working. For this purpose, the mobile suction system 1 has a tilting mechanism 91 for the suction material container 7. The tilting mechanism 91 is designed to tilt the suction material container 7 about a tilting axis AK. Here, the tilting axis AK is essentially parallel to the transverse direction R2 of the mobile suction system 1. The tilting axis AK is defined by coupling points 93 between the suction material container 7 and the frame 5 of the mobile suction system 1. The suction material container 7 is attached to the frame 5 at the coupling points 93 so that it can rotate about the tilting axis AK. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the tilting mechanism 91 comprises two hydraulic cylinders 95 which are designed to lift the suction material container 7 and tilt it about the tilting axis AK.

[0069] In Fig. 5 In the illustrated state, the suction material container 7 is tilted maximally about the tilting axis AK and suction material located in the suction material container 7 can be emptied from the suction material container 7 through an emptying opening 97. The mobile suction system 1 here additionally has a vibration motor 99 which supports the emptying of the suction material container 7. The vibration motor 99 is thus provided to apply vibrations to the suction material container 7. The suction material container 7 transmits these vibrations to the suction material located therein, which is loosened by the vibrations and detached from the walls of the suction material container 7. The vibration drive 99 thus facilitates complete emptying of the suction material container 7. During suction operation, the emptying opening 97 is largely tightly closed by a closure flap 101.

[0070] In order to facilitate the removal of the suction material collected in the suction material container 7, it is often desirable to empty the suction material container 7 into a container or the like provided on a construction site. For this purpose, it is generally necessary for a tipping edge 103 of the suction material container 7 to exceed a certain minimum height during emptying. In previously known suction systems, this is achieved by a complex and thus expensive and failure-prone tipping mechanism. In the illustrated embodiment, the frame 5 is rigid and the coupling points 93 are fixedly arranged on the frame 5. During emptying, the suction material container 7 is essentially only tilted about the tilting axis AK by the hydraulic cylinders 95. Despite this very simple design, a tipping edge 95 of the suction material container 7 is arranged sufficiently high above the chassis 3.This is achieved by support arms 105 of the frame 5 of the mobile suction system 1, which protrude at least partially in a vertical direction R3 and at the ends of which the coupling points 93 are arranged. The pivot points of the suction material container (here, the coupling points 93) are therefore not arranged in the area of ​​the crawler track 3, but rather spaced apart from it in the vertical direction R3.

[0071] It should be understood that instead of multiple hydraulic cylinders 95, only a single hydraulic cylinder 95 may be present. Furthermore, the tilting mechanism 91 may also be pneumatically and / or electrically driven.

[0072] The control unit 45 is provided for controlling the mobile suction system 1. The control unit 45 can, for example, be provided for individually controlling the drive 19, the vacuum generator clutch 41, and the compressor clutch 53. In a preferred variant, however, the control unit 45 is designed for partially automated control of the vacuum generator clutch 41 and the compressor clutch 53. In this particularly preferred embodiment, a user can only individually control the speed of the drive 19. The control of the vacuum generator 13 and the compressor 21 by the user is limited to providing a suction request 202 or a compressor request 204. This prevents operators of the mobile suction system 1 from closing the compressor clutch 53 and / or the vacuum generator clutch 41 while the drive 19 is operating in an unsuitable speed range.The compressor request 204 can be provided, for example, by pressing a corresponding field on the screen 89, which is designed as a touchscreen. As an alternative to controlling the speed of the drive 19, a suction power control can also be performed, for example, whereby the suction power of the vacuum generator 13 is directly proportional to the speed of the drive 19. Instead of a motor speed, a user then specifies a desired suction power, for example, by selecting a percentage or by operating a rotary switch. Fig. 6 illustrates a method 200 for controlling a mobile suction system 1, which prevents the vacuum generator clutch 41 and / or the compressor clutch 53 from closing in unsuitable speed ranges of the drive 19. Fig. 6a shows a block diagram that illustrates the process flow during Fig. 6b a corresponding temporal progression of a rotational speed n of the drive 19 is illustrated. In a first step of the method (S1), a suction request 202 from a user is determined. In the exemplary embodiment shown, a compressor request 204 is also determined in the first step S1. A user of the mobile suction system 1 therefore requests suction power and compressed air essentially at the same time. During operation of the mobile suction system 1, the control unit 45 continuously determines the rotational speed of the drive 19. In response to determining the suction request 202 and the compressor request 204, the control unit 45 determines, in a second step S2, the output rotational speed n_out of the drive 19, which is present at the moment the suction request 202 and the compressor request 204 are provided.

[0073] In a subsequent step S3, the control unit 45 reduces the speed n of the drive 19 below a speed threshold n_limit, since the output speed n_out here is above the speed threshold n_limit. Only when the speed n of the drive 19 falls below the speed threshold n_limit are the vacuum generator clutch 41 and the compressor clutch 53 closed in a subsequent fourth step S4. In the present exemplary embodiment, the control unit 45 energizes the vacuum generator clutch 41 and the compressor clutch 53 for this purpose. Drive power from the drive 19 is then transferred to the vacuum generator 13 and the compressor 21.

[0074] After closing, the control unit 45 increases the rotational speed n back to the initial rotational speed n_off in a fifth step S5. The increase occurs here with a rotational speed ramp 206. Preferably, the increase occurs with a first rotational speed ramp 206 of 1000 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 700 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 600 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 500 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 400 (rpm) / sec or less, preferably 350 (rpm) / sec or less. Increasing the speed n to the initial speed n_off facilitates the control of the mobile suction system 1. Starting from an initial state (before the first step S1), a user of the mobile suction system 1 only needs to provide the suction request 202 or the compressor request 204 in order to put the suction system 1 into a suction mode and a compressed air mode.

[0075] Fig. 7 now illustrates a possible and preferred transport of the mobile suction system 1 according to the invention on a commercially available transport trailer 250. The mobile suction system 1 according to the invention has, among other things, the advantage of being very compact in terms of installation space, which can be achieved through the features described herein. This allows it to be transported on commercially available transport trailers 250, so that neither a special trailer nor, in most countries, a driver of a vehicle towing the transport trailer 250 requires a special driving license. This makes handling the suction system 1 significantly easier. Bezugszeichenliste

[0076] 1 mobile suction system 3 crawler track 5 base frame 7 suction container 9 drive unit 11 attachment point 13 vacuum generator 15 suction arm 17 suction connection 19 drive 21 compressor 23 arrow 25 drive shaft 27 vacuum generator shaft 29 compressor shaft 31 vacuum generator gear 33 belt drive 35 driven pulley 37 belt 39 drive pulley 41 vacuum generator coupling 43 magnetic coupling 45 control unit 47 compressor gear 49 second drive pulley 51 second driven pulley 53 compressor coupling 57 orthogonal coordinate system 59 axes of the coordinate system 61 quadrants 63 hydraulic motor 65 machine end 67 connecting piece 69 suction end 71 force arm 73Suction hose 75Compensation device 77Support segments 79Joint 81Receiver 83Compensation cylinder 85Level measuring device 87Radar sensor 89Screen 91Tipping mechanism 93Coupling points 95Hydraulic cylinder 97Discharge opening 99Vibration motor 101Closing flap 103Tipping edge 105Support arm 200Procedure 202Suction request 204Compressor request 206Speed ​​ramp250Transport trailer AKKiping axle ANConnecting axle A1First axle distance A2Second axle distance nSpeed ​​n_output speed n_limitSpeed ​​threshold R1Axis direction, longitudinal direction of the mobile suction system R2Transverse direction R3Height direction

Claims

1. Mobile suction system (1) for lifting suction material using a suction vacuum, comprising a vacuum generator (13) for generating the suction vacuum, a drive (19) for driving the vacuum generator (13), wherein the drive (19) has a drive shaft (25), a vacuum generator coupling (41) for selective power transmission from the drive (19) to the vacuum generator (13), and characterized in that the vacuum generator coupling (41) is a magnetic coupling (43).

2. Mobile suction system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the vacuum generator coupling (41) is directly connected to the drive shaft (25) of the drive (19).

3. Mobile suction system (1) according to claim 2, further comprising a vacuum generator gear (31) arranged between the vacuum generator clutch (41) and a vacuum generator shaft (27) of the vacuum generator (13).

4. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a compressor (21) for providing compressed air; a compressor clutch (53) for selectively transmitting power from the drive (19) to the compressor (21), wherein the compressor clutch (53) is preferably a magnetic clutch (43).

5. Mobile suction system (1) according to claim 4, further comprising a compressor gear (47) arranged between the compressor clutch (53) and the drive shaft (25) of the drive (19).

6. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5, wherein a vacuum generator shaft (27) of the vacuum generator (13) is substantially axially parallel to the drive shaft (25) of the drive (19) and wherein a compressor shaft (29) of the compressor (21) is substantially axially parallel to the drive shaft (25) of the drive (19).

7. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 4 to 6, wherein the vacuum generator (13) and the compressor (21) are arranged one behind the other in a tandem configuration in an axial direction of the drive (19), and wherein the drive (19) is arranged offset transversely to the axial direction relative to the vacuum generator (13) and the compressor (21).

8. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 7, further comprising a control unit (45), wherein the control unit (45) is designed to control the drive (19) and to close or open the vacuum generator clutch (41) for selectively transmitting drive power from the drive (19) to the vacuum generator (13).

9. Mobile suction system (1) according to claim 8, wherein the control unit (45) is designed to reduce the speed (n) of the drive (19) in response to a suction request (202) from an output speed (n_off) below the speed threshold (n_limit), to close the vacuum generator clutch (41) when the speed (n) is reduced below the speed threshold (n_limit), and preferably to automatically increase the speed (n) to the output speed (n_off) after the vacuum generator clutch (41) has been closed.

10. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the mobile suction system (1) is a self-propelled mobile suction system (1), preferably a driverless mobile suction system (1).

11. Mobile suction system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a suction material container (7) for collecting suction material sucked in using the vacuum, and a vibration motor (99) for applying vibrations to the suction material container (7).

12. Mobile suction system (1) according to claim 11, further comprising a fill level measuring device (85) which is designed for contactless measurement of a fill level of the suction material container (7), wherein the fill level measuring device (85) preferably comprises a radar unit (87).

13. System comprising a mobile suction system (1) according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 12 and a transport trailer for the mobile suction system (1), wherein the system has a total mass of 3.5 t or less.

14. A method (200) for controlling a mobile suction system (1) for lifting suction material using a suction vacuum, the method comprising the steps of: - detecting (S1) a suction request (202) from a user; - determining (S2) an output speed of a drive (19) of the mobile suction system (1), which is provided for driving a vacuum generator (13) of the mobile suction system (1); - reducing (S3) a speed (n) of the drive (19) below a speed threshold value (n_limit) if the output speed (n_off) is above the speed threshold value (n_limit) in response to detecting (S1) the suction request (202); - closing (S4) a vacuum generator clutch (41) for transmitting drive power of the drive (19) to the vacuum generator (13) at a reduced speed (n); - Increasing (S5) the speed (n) of the drive (19) to the output speed Q after closing the vacuum generator clutch (41).

15. Computer program product, comprising program code means which, when executing the computer program product on a data processing unit, in particular a control unit (45) of a mobile suction system (1), implements a method according to claim 14.

Images