Soil compacting machine, in particular vibrating tamper or plate, with a sealing element, sealing element

Abstract

The invention relates to a soil compaction machine, in particular a vibratory rammer or a vibrating plate, with a sealing element, a sealing element, in particular for a cooling air duct of an energy storage module of a soil compaction machine and a protective cover with a sealing element.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a soil compaction machine, in particular a vibratory rammer or a vibrating plate, with a sealing element, a sealing element, in particular for a cooling air duct of an energy storage module of a soil compaction machine and a protective cover with a sealing element.

[0002] Soil compaction machines are machines used to compact the subsoil, for example, in road, path, and route construction, as well as in other construction projects where a compacted subsoil is desired. Such soil compaction machines have a ground contact element that rests on and / or moves over the soil surface and acts statically and / or dynamically on the subsoil for compaction purposes. Such soil compaction machines can be hand-held, remote-controlled, and / or operated from a control platform by an operator riding alongside the soil compaction machine.

[0003] Soil compaction machines of the type relevant here can conventionally be powered by an internal combustion engine. The emissions associated with the operation of an internal combustion engine are increasingly perceived as detrimental to the operator and / or the environment and / or are limited by legal regulations. In order to meet these requirements, it is already known to equip soil compaction machines with hybrid drive systems or a fully electric drive system. In order to provide the electrical energy required for the electrical operation of such a soil compaction machine, it is also already known to connect these soil compaction machines to an electrical energy source with a cable or to equip them with an energy storage module, in particular in the form of a rechargeable battery ora battery, which is carried by the soil compaction machine during operation and which can, for example, also be replaceable. When a soil compaction machine is operated with an energy storage module, in particular a replaceable one, this can lead to significant temperature loads on the energy storage module and / or other electrical operating components. In this context, it is known to cool the replaceable battery of an electric drive in a soil compaction machine in the form of a rammer by means of a cooling air flow generated by a fan. This is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2010 055 632 A1. For this purpose, a fan is provided on the machine side which is connected to the battery via a cooling air duct. Changing the battery requires some assembly play in order to be able to remove the empty battery or insert the full battery, i.e. there may be gaps between the battery and the machine.This prevents the cooling air path from being sealed, as a leakage flow can be drawn in through these gaps, or cooling air can escape through them. Furthermore, during compaction operation of the soil compaction machine, e.g., due to vibrations or thermal expansion, the gap can be further enlarged, at least temporarily, or the gap must be made larger accordingly, which further increases the leakage. As a result, the battery cooling may be inadequate, or the fan used to generate the cooling air flow must be disproportionately large. This problem is particularly prevalent when the soil compaction machine has a vibration excitation device, such as an unbalance exciter or a crank drive.

[0004] Based on this, the object of the invention is to provide a possibility to further improve the cooling of a battery of a soil compaction machine by means of a cooling air flow.

[0005] The problem is solved with a soil compaction machine, with a sealing element, and with a protective cover according to the independent claims. Preferred developments are specified in the dependent claims.

[0006] The invention generally relates to soil compaction machines with a machine module and with an energy storage module.

[0007] The machine module refers to the machine side of the soil compaction machine and thus the part of a soil compaction machine, in particular a soil compaction machine, in particular a part of an electric motor-driven machine, in particular a soil compaction machine, in particular a vibratory rammer, without the energy storage module, in particular without the energy storage module designed as a battery / accumulator.

[0008] The machine side can, in particular, comprise a machine frame, which can be the essential supporting structure of the soil compaction machine. The machine frame can, for example, be designed to support the ground contact element(s), an electric motor, a control station, and / or a manual guidance device, etc. The machine frame can have a receiving area for receiving and / or storing the energy storage module. However, the receiving area can additionally or alternatively also be formed by another element of the machine module, in particular a manual guidance device.

[0009] A ground contact element movably mounted on the machine frame can also be part of the machine module. The ground contact element refers to the unit of the soil compaction machine that is in direct contact with the soil surface, at least temporarily, during the soil compaction process and when the soil compaction machine is used as intended. The ground contact element can roll over the subsoil to be compacted, as is the case with roller drums, for example, or be moved across the subsoil in a stamping and / or bouncing manner, as is the case with a ground contact element in the form of a stamping foot of a vibratory rammer or a ground contact element in the form of a base or stamping plate of a vibrating plate.

[0010] The machine module of the soil compaction machine can further comprise a vibration excitation device that sets the ground contact element in an oscillating and / or tamping motion. This can be, for example, an unbalance exciter, particularly in soil compaction machines of the roller and vibrating plate type, or a crank drive, particularly in soil compaction machines of the vibratory rammer type. The vibration excitation device can also simultaneously comprise several individual vibration excitation devices, the vibration behavior of which can be operated in a coordinated manner, particularly relative to one another, for example, to achieve different compaction effects of the soil compaction machine and / or to influence a driven machine movement.

[0011] A further part of the soil compaction machine is an energy storage module, which is particularly replaceable. The energy storage module refers to the part of the soil compaction machine that, as a coherent module, can have one or more energy storage devices, for example, battery cells. The energy storage module can thus be designed, in particular, as a replaceable part, particularly one that can be replaced without tools, which can in particular comprise a housing, one or more connection devices, etc. Such replaceable energy storage modules are used, for example, when the energy storage module needs to be frequently replaced, for example when rechargeable batteries are used. Such energy storage modules are therefore also referred to as batteries.The energy storage module is designed to store electrical energy and can, for this purpose, have one or more energy storage devices, such as battery cells or the like. A housing is also part of the energy storage module. This housing surrounds, in particular, the one or more energy storage devices and can further comprise one or more carrying handles, recesses for one or more display devices, one or more connection points and / or devices for establishing current and / or signal-conducting connections to the machine module and / or to a charger, one or more cooling air inlets and / or outlets, one or more fastening formations, for example as part of a fixing device, etc. The housing can, for example, be made of plastic.

[0012] During operation of the soil compaction machine, the energy storage module and / or other components of the soil compaction machine may heat up. To counteract excessive heating, the soil compaction machine comprises a cooling device with a cooling air conveying device and a cooling air path or a cooling air duct. The cooling air conveying device is designed to generate a cooling air flow. The cooling air conveying device can, for example, be a suction fan, in particular comprising one or more fan wheels or the like. A fan drive can also be part of the cooling air conveying device. This fan drive can be designed to selectively and individually drive only one or more fan wheels. The fan drive can be formed on the machine module or on the energy storage module, in particular integrated into the energy storage module.The latter has the advantage that one and the same fan can also be used for cooling purposes during a charging process of the energy storage module. Additionally or alternatively, the fan(s) can be driven by a drive motor and / or a transmission element of a drive train, in particular a drive train of a traction drive and / or a drive of a vibration excitation device. The cooling air path or cooling air duct refers to the path through which the air conveyed by the cooling air conveying device is moved through the soil compaction machine. The cooling air path runs partially through the machine module and partially through the energy storage module.In particular, the cooling air path is designed such that, viewed in the direction of flow, the cooling air path first runs through one module, in particular the energy storage module, and downstream of this first module through the other module, in particular the machine module. The conveyed cooling air is drawn in, in particular, from the external environment of the soil compaction machine. The cooling air path comprises a cooling air inlet and a cooling air outlet. Cooling air from the external environment of the soil compaction machine enters the interior of the soil compaction machine via the cooling air inlet. Cooling air, in particular heated air, exits the soil compaction machine via the cooling air outlet. The cooling air path extends in the direction of flow from the cooling air inlet to the cooling air outlet. The soil compaction machine can comprise one or more cooling air inlets and / or outlets.The cooling air path is designed between the cooling air inlet and the cooling air outlet in such a way that it guides the cooling air flow through the energy storage module and the machine module.

[0013] The soil compaction machine has a separable connection interface between the energy storage module and the machine module. The connection interface thus designates an area in which the machine module and the energy storage module are configured such that the energy storage module occupies a defined relative position relative to the machine module and can thus be brought into this position repeatedly and in a targeted manner. The connection interface can comprise a contact area, in particular a mechanical one, between the energy storage module and the machine module. The connection point can further be configured to transmit electrical energy from the energy storage module to the machine module and / or control information from the energy storage module to the machine module and / or vice versa. It is provided that the cooling air path extends through the connection interface.This means that the cooling air path extends partially through the energy storage module and the machine module, or runs through them. This can occur simultaneously (i.e., parallel to each other), and / or consecutively (i.e., serially). It is essential that the cooling air conveying system generates a cooling air flow that passes through both the energy storage module and the machine module.

[0014] According to the invention, a sealing device is provided. This comprises at least one sealing element. The sealing device is designed such that, in particular with the aid of the sealing element, it seals the cooling air path in the region of the connection interface to the outside against leakage flows. Leakage flows can in this case occur from the inside to the outside, for example when cooling air guided inside the cooling air path escapes to the outside via the connection point, in particular in blowing mode or when the cooling air conveying device is designed such that it forces the cooling air through the cooling air conveying path. Leakage flows can in this case also occur from the outside to the inside, for example when air is sucked in from outside the cooling air path via the connection point into the interior of the cooling air path, in particular in suction mode orwhen the cooling air conveying device is designed to draw the cooling air through the cooling air conveying path. The sealing element is thus preferably designed to, for example, prevent the intake of external air, reduce noise during operation of the soil compaction machine, in particular the vibratory rammer ("rattling"), reduce the relative movement between the battery housing or the energy storage module and a machine mount or the machine module, and thus reduce wear.

[0015] It is preferred if the sealing element is made at least partially, in particular entirely, of an elastic material, in particular plastic or rubber. Due to the elasticity of the sealing element, it is particularly effective in compensating for relative movements between the machine module and the energy storage module while maintaining a tight flow of cooling air through the connection interface. This property is particularly advantageous for soil compaction machines, as these can be subject to comparatively strong and even permanent vibrations due to the vibration excitation device that is regularly present. Preferred Shore ranges for the elastic material are in the range of 40 to 50 Shore.Furthermore, the sealing element is preferably designed to be air-tight, dust-tight, and / or water-tight, so that materials are also preferred which, in addition to their elastic properties, are also air-tight, dust-tight, and / or water-tight.

[0016] It can be provided that a compensation gap is present between the machine module and the energy storage module in the flow direction of the cooling air flow through the connection interface. The machine module and the energy storage module are thus spaced apart by this compensation gap, in particular at least when the soil compaction machine is not in operation. The distance can relate to at least one spatial direction, but can also extend in several spatial directions. This can also be understood as the shortest direct distance. It is preferred if opposing regions of the machine module and the energy storage module are spaced apart by at least 1 mm, in particular at least 2 mm, in order to allow a minimum clearance that is sufficient in practice.Additionally or alternatively, it is preferred if opposing regions of the machine module and the energy storage module are spaced apart by a maximum of 20 mm, in particular a maximum of 10 mm. It is now preferred if the sealing element is arranged between the storage module formation and the machine module counter-formation, as seen in the flow direction of the cooling air flow through the connection interface, and / or fills the compensation gap. In particular, if the sealing element is simultaneously formed from an elastic material, it can seal the sealing gap to the outside particularly well while compensating for changes in the relative position between the machine module and the energy storage module, thereby enabling particularly reliable cooling air transmission between the energy storage module and the machine module across the connection point.The shape of the energy storage module and the machine module can comprise regions that are specially coordinated with one another and are designed and intended for contact by the sealing element. In particular, these regions, where the sealing element rests on the machine module and the energy storage module, are also referred to below as the storage module formation on the energy storage mode side and as the machine module counter-formation on the machine module side. It is preferred if the sealing element simultaneously rests on the machine module counter-formation and on the storage module formation, in particular on opposite sides of the sealing element. Additionally or alternatively, it can be provided that the sealing element extends across the compensation gap, in particular in the direction of the flow of the cooling air guided through the connection interface.

[0017] Due to the sometimes considerable vibration load on the soil compaction machine during operation, particularly in the area of ​​the connection interface, it has proven advantageous if the sealing element comprises a shaft region which extends in and / or against the flow direction of the cooling air flow into the machine module and / or the energy storage module. This shaft region thus refers to a part of the sealing element with an extension in the flow direction which forms a channel-like air flow guide section. The shaft region extends in and / or against the flow direction of the cooling air flow, ie in particular beyond the storage module formation and / or the machine module counter-formation, into the machine module and / or the energy storage module.The shaft area ideally forms an airtight and / or elastic extension perpendicular to the flow direction, which not only bridges the sealing gap between the energy storage module and the machine module in the flow direction, but also projects into the module(s) in and / or against the flow direction, in particular the connection interface. In this way, the sealing element seals not only within the sealing gap, but also partially within the machine module and / or the energy storage module, whereby the shaft area in particular enables a sealing effect against relative adjustments between the machine module and the energy storage module perpendicular to the flow direction, in particular perpendicular to it. Accordingly, the shaft area can also be used as the sealing area of ​​the sealing element. In this case, the sealing element can thus have a sealing bushing forming the shaft area.

[0018] The shaft region of the sealing element preferably has a length of at least 0.5 cm, particularly of at least 1 cm, particularly of at least 2 cm, and very particularly of at least 4 cm with respect to a, in particular average or maximum, length of the cooling air path or air guide path formed by the shaft region, ie thus in particular its extension in the flow direction. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft region is designed to be larger with respect to its, in particular average or maximum, length of the cooling air path or air guide path formed by the shaft region than with respect to its height and / or width, in particular with respect to the internal dimensions of the through-opening formed by the shaft region.Accordingly, the dimensions "height" and "width" preferably refer to an extension either of the entire sealing element or at least to an extension of the through-opening passing through the sealing element, through which the cooling air is guided through the sealing element between the machine module and the energy storage module, in particular transversely to the flow direction or transversely to the main air flow direction. The flow direction or the main air flow direction refers, for example, to the distance or a line that runs between the geometric centers of an air inlet and an air outlet of the sealing element. The shaft area thus forms a longitudinally extended partial area or section in the direction of the cooling air path.a part of the cooling air path which, particularly when the sealing element is made of an elastic material, enables reliable sealing of the cooling air path across the connection interface even when the soil compaction machine is subjected to considerable vibration loads.

[0019] In the simplest case, the shaft area can be designed as a cavity formed by the sealing element, which is delimited by the inner walls of the sealing element and in particular of the shaft area and is open to the outside via the air inlet and the air outlet of the sealing element. In this variant, the cooling air thus flows exclusively along these inner walls of the shaft area. Alternatively, it is also possible to arrange one or more, in particular additional, stabilizing and / or air guiding webs in the shaft area in addition to these inner walls. In these, cooling air flows along at least two, in particular opposite, inner wall sides.These stabilizing and / or air-guiding strips can extend from one inner wall that defines the shaft area to the outside to another, particularly opposite inner wall that defines the shaft area to the outside, and thus run transversely through the cooling air path. Such stabilizing and / or air-guiding strips can improve the dimensional stability of the sealing element, for example, if the sealing element is made of an elastic material. Such flow elements within the shaft area, around which cooling air flows on at least two sides, can also extend only partially into the space formed by the shaft area.With the help of the stabilizing and / or air guiding webs, it is possible to influence the direction of the cooling air flowing through the sealing element and / or to create turbulence within the cooling air, for example to enable a more homogeneous temperature distribution within the cooling air, in particular downstream of a component of the soil compaction machine to be cooled and through which the cooling air passes. It is possible to design the stabilizing and / or air guiding webs such that they end flush with the outer edge of the duct inlet and / or duct outlet. However, it can also be provided that they are additionally or alternatively set back from the respective outer edge in the direction of a duct interior or towards the area within the sealing element formed by the shaft area and through which the cooling air flows.

[0020] With regard to the specific design of the sealing element itself, a wide variety of variations are possible and equally encompassed by the invention. For example, the sealing element can be formed in one or more pieces. Additionally or alternatively, it can be formed symmetrically, in particular mirror-symmetrically, or asymmetrically. Further additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if it is formed from a single material, whereby a multi-layer structure and / or the integration and / or formation of regions of the sealing element from different materials is also possible. It is particularly preferred if the sealing element is mounted or arranged in the energy storage module and / or the machine module in a replaceable manner, in particular without tools. This enables selective replacement of the sealing element, for example due to leaks developing due to wear, etc.

[0021] In principle, it is possible and also preferred to design the cooling air path such that the cooling air comprises a filter device, in particular an air filter device. The air filter device can be, for example, a droplet eliminator and / or a filter device for separating dust particles, such as a fabric filter and / or a centrifugal separator. It can be advantageous if the sealing element is designed to accommodate the filter device or the filter device is integrated into the sealing element, in particular such that the cooling air passing through the sealing element is guided through the filter device. The filter device can be designed to be replaceable, in particular separate from the sealing element, and can be arranged on the soil compaction machine.

[0022] It can be provided that the sealing element has an insertion stop which lies in the sealing gap and rests transversely to an insertion direction on the machine module and / or the energy storage module, in particular on the storage module formation and / or on a machine module counter-formation. The insertion stop preferably projects outwards transversely to the flow direction of the cooling air through the sealing element, in particular also beyond the shaft region of the sealing element. This can be the case in a circumferential manner. In particular, the insertion stop can be designed as a type of bearing and / or sealing lip or bead and fill at least a partial region of the sealing gap between the machine module and the energy storage module. The insertion stop is particularly preferably located at the level of the air inlet or the air outlet of the sealing element.

[0023] In order to achieve a particularly efficient sealing effect of the sealing element, it can be provided that the sealing element has at least one sealing surface that is complementary to the storage module formation and / or to the machine module counter-formation, in particular that bears positively against one or both of these formations. The storage module formation and / or the machine module counter-formation and also the corresponding counter-contact surfaces of the sealing element, in particular of the insertion stop, can be designed as mutually complementary surfaces. These surfaces can be designed such that they circumferentially guide the cooling air flow, in particular in the region of the connection interface, transversely to the cooling air flow direction. These surfaces can be flat or have three-dimensionally shaped structural elements, for example to improve a snug fit between the sealing element and the storage module formation and / or the machine module counter-formation.This sealing surface can be functionally referred to as a flat seal or the flat sealing area of ​​the sealing element. Unlike the shaft area, which preferably acts essentially exclusively as a seal against one of the modules, the machine module or the energy storage module, this flat sealing area acts as a seal between the machine module and the energy storage module.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the sealing element can have guide surfaces that assist in inserting the battery into a plug connection. These can, in particular, also be outer surfaces of the wall elements defining the shaft area of ​​the sealing element. Additionally or alternatively, one or more outer wall surfaces can be provided for contact with a sealing element receptacle on the machine and / or battery side, or on the machine module side and / or on the energy storage module side. Particularly in this area, the sealing element receptacle is preferably designed to be at least partially complementary to the respective outer wall surface of the sealing element.

[0025] It can be provided that the energy storage module, in particular the battery, especially in the area of ​​the storage module formation, and / or the machine module, in particular the machine side, very particularly in the area of ​​the machine module counter-formation, has an outlet and / or inlet, in particular a connection outlet and / or connection inlet, complementary to the air inlet and / or to the air outlet of the sealing element.

[0026] It is possible to design the sealing element in such a way that it is held in position during the interaction of the machine module with the energy storage module, in particular in the area of ​​the connection interface. This can be achieved, for example, by clamping the sealing element between these two modules. However, particularly for maintenance reasons, it is preferred if the sealing element is held in a defined relative position by the machine module or the energy storage module alone. This can be particularly advantageous when the energy storage module is changed on the machine module. It is therefore preferred if the sealing element has a fixing device, for example in the form of fixing surfaces / fixing elements, which are designed to lock the sealing element, in particular in a form-fitting manner, in the machine module, there in particular in a receiving housing, and / or in the energy storage module.These can, for example, be spatial contour elements that protrude and / or are set back from the adjacent outer surface of the sealing element, such as one or more knobs and / or cones and / or hemispheres and / or cuboid-shaped and / or frame-like elements and / or negatives, for example in the form of set-back spatial elements, such as hollow cones and / or hollow half-shells and / or grooves. The fixing device preferably protrudes transversely and in particular vertically with respect to a mounting direction of the sealing element on the energy storage module and / or on the machine module, i.e. a direction in which the sealing element is moved relative to the energy storage module and / or the machine module during the installation and / or replacement process of the sealing element. The fixing device can be spring-elastically adjustable, very particularly, for example, due to the elasticity of the material from which the sealing element is made.

[0027] The sealing element can be designed such that, in addition to sealing the cooling air path, particularly in the area of ​​the connection interface, it also seals other areas and / or functional components. This can, in particular, be the sealing of a detachable transmission connection designed to transmit electrical energy and / or control signals from the energy storage module to the machine module and / or vice versa. Thus, the sealing element, designed in this case as a multiple sealing element, particularly a one-piece sealing element, also additionally assumes other sealing and / or damping functions, particularly a sealing function in the area of ​​electrical plug contacts and / or signal transmission contacts between the energy storage module and the machine module.

[0028] The sealing element can be arranged, in particular, between an air outlet of the energy storage module, i.e., in particular, a replaceable battery, and an air inlet of the machine module, i.e., an air inlet on the machine side, in particular such that it lies with a sealing lip between the outer edges of this air outlet and this air inlet. In this case, the cooling air is thus first directed through the energy storage module and then, after passing through the connection interface, through the machine module.

[0029] Variations are also possible with regard to the specific design of the cooling air conveying device. For example, the cooling air conveying device can comprise a fan arranged on the energy storage module. This fan can also comprise an electric motor that is supplied directly with electrical power from the energy storage module. However, it is also possible to provide a fan arranged in the machine module, in particular a suction fan, in particular comprising at least one fan wheel.

[0030] It can be provided that the cooling air conveying device sucks in the cooling air through the cooling air path. In this way, suction operation is enabled, so that the cooling air is sucked through the cooling air path. In this case, the sealing element seals the connection interface, in particular against the suction of external air in the region of the connection interface. In addition or alternatively, it can also be provided that the cooling air conveying device forces the cooling air through the cooling air path. The sealing element according to the invention is particularly suitable for suction operation between the moving battery outlet duct, i.e. the air outlet of the energy storage module, the cooling air and the rammer-side, in particular at least partially fixed, housing connection on the soil compaction machine, i.e. the air inlet of the machine module. The soil compaction machine can thus be designed in the form of a rammer, in particular.During pressure operation, it can be provided that the cooling air is arranged through the sealing element between a fixed housing outlet channel, i.e. on the machine module side, and a moving battery inlet channel, i.e. on the energy storage module side. It can be provided, in particular for suction operation, that the energy storage module itself has an intake opening through which cooling air is sucked in from the outside environment of the soil compaction machine. It can be advantageous if this intake opening is an opening that is at least half a meter vertically spaced from the ground or the base of the soil compaction machine and / or is at least partially open upwards when viewed in the vertical direction.

[0031] The soil compaction machine can have two or more sealing elements. The two or more sealing elements can in particular be of identical construction and / or mirror-symmetrical to one another. Thus, a plurality of such sealing elements can be provided, which are preferably arranged parallel to one another with regard to the guidance of the cooling air. The cooling air thus passes, preferably in suction mode coming from the battery or the energy storage module, partially exclusively only through at least one or one of the two or more sealing elements and the remaining cooling air exclusively through the further sealing element or elements of the two or more sealing elements. If a plurality of sealing elements are included in the soil compaction machine, these are therefore preferably arranged in the cooling air path in such a way orthe cooling air path is preferably designed such that portions of the cooling air pass through these multiple sealing elements in parallel and the multiple sealing elements are not passed through by the entire cooling air one after the other.

[0032] It can be provided that the soil compaction machine has a cover, in particular a covering hood. Such a cover is particularly preferred, for example, when the soil compaction machine is a vibratory rammer or a vibrating plate. The cover is then particularly advantageously arranged on a superstructure or a manual guidance device of the vibratory rammer or the vibrating plate. The cover can be made in particular of plastic. Additionally or alternatively, it is advantageous if the cover is arranged on the machine module or is part of the machine module. It is preferred if the sealing element is mounted and held in and / or on the cover, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner. For this purpose, it can be provided that the cover has receiving areas that are at least partially complementary to the sealing element.

[0033] In principle, it is possible for the machine module and / or the energy storage module to have a sealing element receptacle, in particular integrated into the cover and / or into the housing of the energy storage module, which is itself partially channel-shaped. This channel-shaped area can, in particular, form a receptacle for the shaft area of ​​the sealing element and / or be a continuation of the cooling air path formed by the sealing element, in particular in its shaft area.

[0034] The sealing element receptacle can have one or more locking formations, in particular locking recesses, designed in particular to complement the sealing element's fixing devices. One or more elements of the sealing element can engage in these. Additionally or alternatively, locking projections can also be provided that engage in corresponding locking recesses in the sealing element. The locking formation not only enables a defined positioning of the sealing element on the cover, but also simultaneously stabilizes this positioning.

[0035] Regarding the specific design of the soil compaction machine, there are various preferred alternatives. In particular, the soil compaction machine is one that is, in particular, exclusively driven by an electric motor.

[0036] For example, the soil compaction machine can be a hand-held soil compaction machine with a machine frame, a ground contact device arranged on the machine frame, and a hand-guided device, in particular a guide bar or a guide drawbar. The hand-guided device is preferably mounted on an upper mass of the soil compaction machine in a vibration-damped manner via a damping device. In this case, the hand-held soil compaction machine can be, in particular, a vibratory rammer or a vibrating plate. The ground contact device in this case is a tamping foot or a base plate. Alternatively, the hand-held soil compaction device can also be a roller with one or more roller drums as the ground contact device. The roller can thus also be designed as a tandem roller or a trench roller.

[0037] It is also possible to design the soil compaction machine as a remote-controlled soil compaction machine with a machine frame and a ground contact device arranged on the machine frame, in particular in the form of a trench roller or a vibrating plate.

[0038] Finally, the soil compaction machine can also be designed as a ride-on soil compaction machine with a machine frame, a ground contact device mounted on the machine frame, and a driver's seat. With these machines, the operator thus rides with the machine during soil compaction operation. In this case, the soil compaction machine can, in particular, be a tandem roller.

[0039] Finally, the soil compaction machine can also be an autonomously driving soil compaction machine, in particular a vibrating plate or a roller, in particular a tandem or trench roller.

[0040] Although the sealing element can in principle be attached to the energy storage module, it is preferred if the sealing element is mounted on the machine module in such a way that it remains attached to the machine module when the energy storage module is removed. This way, the sealing element remains attached to the machine module, for example, when the energy storage module is replaced. This eliminates the need to equip every energy storage module with a sealing element.

[0041] The cooling air path can run downstream of the energy storage module on the machine module side directly to an air conveying device and / or to a cooling air inlet or outlet. However, in addition to the energy storage module, it can also run along an electric motor, particularly on the machine module side, and / or a power electronics device and / or another operating component of the soil compaction machine requiring cooling. The power electronics is, in particular, a device that converts or inverts the electrical current drawn from the energy storage module into a current suitable for operating the electric motor and / or other components of the soil compaction machine powered by electrical energy.Other components requiring cooling can, in particular, be components that heat up due to the operation of the soil compaction machine, such as electrical actuators, hydraulic fluid, and / or hydraulic components in electro-hydraulic systems, etc. Alternatively, the energy storage module can also be arranged downstream of one or more components to be cooled, for example, downstream of an electric motor and / or power electronics. Furthermore, the cooling air path can be designed as a single-channel system or, at least temporarily, can also have one or more branches and / or junctions. It is equally possible, additionally or alternatively, for the cooling air path to have one or more cooling air inlets and / or cooling air outlets.

[0042] The sealing element can be arranged in such a way that it seals the cooling air path for cooling air of an electric drive, in particular the electric motor, between the energy storage module, i.e., the battery, and the machine module, i.e., the machine side, upstream of the electric motor. This means that the cooling air guided in the cooling air path first passes through the energy storage device, in particular the energy storage module, and then through the electric motor, in particular the machine module. In this way, the energy storage device is cooled particularly effectively.

[0043] If the soil compaction machine includes additional and / or other components requiring cooling, the cooling air path can be designed so that the cooling air passes through these additional components requiring cooling. Ideally, the cooling air duct or cooling air path for cooling the power electronics device runs alongside the power electronics device.

[0044] When operating soil compaction machines of the type relevant here, measures are preferably taken to minimize the vibration load on the respective operator. In addition to the already mentioned damping of a hand-held guidance device relative to an upper mass of the soil compaction machine, it can also be provided, for example, that the soil compaction machine has an upper mass or superstructure and, via a damping device, a lower mass or substructure connected to it. The damping device can, for example, comprise one or more damping elements, for example in the form of rubber buffers or the like. For such a basic arrangement, it is advantageous if the energy storage module and / or the power electronics device is arranged on the upper mass and the electric motor is arranged on the upper mass or on the lower mass.

[0045] The energy storage module can be arranged on the hand-guiding device, in particular a guide bar or a guide drawbar, directly or indirectly, in particular via an additional vibration decoupling or damping device.

[0046] A further aspect of the invention relates to a sealing element for use in a soil compaction machine, in particular a soil compaction machine according to the invention, as described above. The sealing element according to the invention comprises a shaft region which is provided for guiding a cooling air flow along a flow direction. The shaft region of the sealing element has a length of at least 1 cm, in particular of at least 2 cm and very particularly of at least 4 cm with respect to a length, in particular an average or maximum length, of the cooling air path or air guide path formed by the shaft region, ie thus in particular its extension in the flow direction. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft region is provided with respect to its length, in particular an average or maximum length, of the cooling air path or air guide path formed by the shaft region.The air duct section is designed to be larger than its height and / or width, in particular with respect to the internal dimensions of the through-opening formed by the shaft region. Accordingly, the dimensions "height" and "width" preferably refer to an extension either of the entire sealing element or at least to an extension of the through-opening passing through the sealing element, through which the cooling air is guided through the sealing element between the machine module and the energy storage module, in particular transversely to the flow direction or transversely to the main air duct direction. The flow direction or the main air duct direction refers, for example, to the distance or a line that runs between the geometric centers of an air inlet and an air outlet of the sealing element. The shaft region thus forms a longitudinally extending partial area or section in the direction of the cooling air section.a portion of the cooling air path which, particularly when the sealing element is made of an elastic material, enables reliable sealing of the cooling air path across the connection interface even under considerable vibration loads from the soil compaction machine, wherein the longitudinal extent of the shaft region is in the flow direction. It is particularly preferred if the shaft region is greater in length than in height and / or width. The shaft region can, for example, be cylindrical or also essentially cuboid-shaped.

[0047] With regard to further preferred embodiments of the sealing element, reference is made to the disclosure relating to the design of the soil compaction machine according to the invention. The advantageous developments of the sealing element mentioned therein apply equally to the design of the sealing element according to the invention.

[0048] Finally, the invention also relates to a protective cover with a sealing element, in particular with a sealing element according to the invention. The protective cover is designed in particular to cover a partial area of ​​a soil compaction machine, in particular a soil compaction machine according to the invention.

[0049] The protective cover according to the invention, which can in particular be designed in the form of a shell, comprises an outer protective side and an inner side. The outer protective side of the protective cover refers to the side of the protective cover which faces the outside environment when the protective cover is used as intended on a soil compaction machine. In contrast, the inner side of the protective cover faces the rest of the soil compaction machine when the protective cover is used as intended and is typically located opposite the outer protective side. It is now preferred if one or more holding devices are formed on the inside of the protective cover, which fix the sealing element to the protective cover in a form-fitting manner. The one or more holding devices can in particular be formed integrally and of the same material as the rest of the protective cover.

[0050] The holding device is specifically preferably designed such that it encompasses the sealing element at least partially, preferably on at least three sides and most preferably circumferentially.

[0051] For example, the retaining device may have a locking recess extending, in particular, transversely and / or longitudinally to a mounting direction of the sealing element. The sealing element engages in this locking recess to create a positive locking connection.

[0052] In summary, an essential aspect of the invention can be seen in the fact that an elastic sealing element is provided in the battery holder in the work machine, which sealing element absorbs assembly tolerances in the cooling air path and compensates for movements during operation. The elastic sealing element is designed in such a way that it is pre-tensioned during the joining process of the battery into the holder. It can be designed in such a way that it becomes effective or comes into contact with the corresponding sealing surfaces when the energy storage module is inserted into a corresponding energy storage module holder on and / or in the machine part. In this case, the sealing connection is created at the same time as the energy storage module is inserted. This means that no further work step or further tool is required when the energy storage module is replaced on the machine module in order to ensure the connection between the seal and the holder.between the sealing element and the battery or energy storage module. The sealing element prevents leakage (with suction fans: no false air is drawn in; with pressure fans: cooling air flows out unused). This increases the efficiency of the cooling process, i.e., for a given fan, the cooling effect is increased; for a given cooling air flow, the fan can be made smaller. Furthermore, there is no additional effort for the user, such as connecting a cooling air hose.

[0053] The invention is therefore directed in particular to a sealing element for the cooling air duct of a soil compaction machine, in particular one driven by an electric motor, characterized in that it has a duct-like air guide section or shaft area for guiding the cooling air.

[0054] The invention is further directed in particular to a soil compaction machine with such a sealing element. Particularly preferably, the cooling air duct or cooling air path extends from a cooling air inlet on a battery (or an energy storage module) via a cooling air outlet on the battery, then through the at least one sealing element, in particular past an electric motor, to a cooling air outlet on the machine.

[0055] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the exemplary embodiments shown in the figures. They show schematically: Fig. 1a side view of a soil compaction machine with a machine module and an energy storage module; Fig. 2a side view of the soil compaction machine from Fig. 1 without energy storage module; Fig. 3 a perspective oblique view of a longitudinal section through the superstructure of the soil compaction machine from the Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a horizontal cross-sectional view through a portion of the soil compaction machine from the Fig. 1 ; Fig. 5 a perspective oblique view of a sealing element; Fig. 6 a perspective view of an inner side of a cover with two sealing elements; Fig. 7 a perspective view of the cover from the Fig. 6 in a guide bracket; Fig. 8 a perspective view of a portion of the cover from the Figures 6 and 7 ; Fig. 9 a side view of a soil compaction machine of the vibrating plate type; Fig. 10 a side view of a soil compaction machine of the trench roller type; Fig. 11 a side view of a soil compaction machine of the ride-on tandem roller type; and Fig. 12 a schematic diagram of the structure of a soil compaction machine.

[0056] Identical or functionally identical components are designated by the same reference numerals in the figures. Recurring components are not necessarily designated separately in each figure.

[0057] A soil compaction machine 1, specifically of the vibratory rammer type, is in Fig. 1shown in a side view. The soil compaction machine 1 comprises a machine module 2 with a machine frame 3, a ground contact element 4, in this case a tamping foot, and a vibration excitation device 5 (in this embodiment in the form of a merely indicated crank drive). The soil compaction machine is driven by a motor, which may be an electric motor 43. The soil compaction machine 1 further comprises a manual guidance device 41, specifically, for example, a guide bar 49, which is connected to the machine frame 3 via damping elements 55. The machine frame 3 is part of a so-called upper mass 46 or superstructure. This is connected to the machine frame 3 via a damping and / or spring device 47 (in Fig. 1 covered by a bellows) is connected to a sub-mass 48 or a substructure.

[0058] The soil compaction machine 1 further comprises an energy storage module 6, which is in particular a module that can be exchanged without tools and has several energy storage devices 7 (for example in the Fig. 4 schematically indicated), in particular in the form of one or more battery cells or comparable rechargeable storage devices for electrical energy. The energy storage module 6 comprises a housing 8. The energy storage module 6 is thus designed as an energy storage module 6 that can be handled separately from the machine module 2.

[0059] Part of the soil compaction machine 1 is also a cooling device 50 ( Fig. 12) with a cooling air conveying device 9, which in the present embodiment is, for example, a suction fan 35 arranged on the machine module 2. The entirety of those elements that generate the cooling air flow 10 and guide it through the soil compaction unit is referred to as a cooling device 50 ( Fig. 12 ) designated.

[0060] The machine module 2 itself is in Fig. 2 There, the energy storage module 6 is removed from the soil compaction machine 1.

[0061] The Figures 3 and 4 show parts of the soil compaction machine 1 from Fig. 1 in different sectional views. Fig. 4 shows a section through the soil compaction machine 1 along the section line II from Fig. 1 and thus a top view of the cut. Fig. 3 shows a side section view along the line II-II on Fig. 4 .

[0062] In particular, from a summary of the Figures 3 and 4Details of a cooling air path 11 running through the soil compaction machine 1 can be found. The path of the cooling air guided through the soil compaction machine is indicated by the arrows 10 in the figures. The cooling air path 11 designates a space extending through the soil compaction machine 1, through which the cooling air is guided from a cooling air inlet 12 to a cooling air outlet 13. In the present exemplary embodiment, the cooling air inlet 12 of the cooling air path 11 is located on the energy storage module 6. For this purpose, one or more openings or the like forming the cooling air inlet 12 as a whole are provided in the housing 8 of the energy storage module 6, for example on the top side and / or the bottom side and / or a rear side facing the operator and / or the right and / or left side wall of the energy storage module 6 as seen in a forward direction A.

[0063] The cooling air flow 10 runs through areas of the energy storage unit 6 in order to cool components located therein, such as energy storage devices 7, in particular in the form of battery cells, and / or one or more electronic control units and / or other operating components requiring cooling, or to transport heat away from there. For this purpose, appropriate channels and / or free spaces can be provided within the energy storage module 6. Within the energy storage module, the cooling air path 11 runs to an air outlet 33 of the energy storage module 6 and extends from there via a connection interface 14, described in more detail below, via an air inlet 34 of the machine module 2 into the machine module 2.

[0064] Within the machine module 2, the cooling air path 11 continues up to the cooling air outlet 13. This can be located, for example, on the underside of the upper mass 46 or at another suitable location, for example on the superstructure in the area of ​​the protective cover 36 (in the Fig. 3 indicated by a dashed line). The cooling air exits the soil compaction machine 1 into the outside environment via the cooling air outlet 13 of the cooling air path 11. It is advantageous if the cooling air inlet 12 and the cooling air outlet 13 are spatially spaced from one another, for example, on different sides of the soil compaction machine 1. It can be provided that the cooling air path in the machine module 2 runs along other components requiring cooling, such as power electronics and / or an electric motor (in Fig. 3 not shown).

[0065] The connection interface 14 designates the area in which at least the cooling air passes from the energy storage module 6 into the machine module 2. In order to effectively reduce or prevent the occurrence of leaks at this point, a sealing device 15 is provided, which in the present exemplary embodiment has, by way of example, two individual sealing elements 16 arranged parallel to one another with respect to the cooling air flow 10. The sealing device 15 thus designates the entirety of the sealing means provided for sealing the connection interface 14. Also part of the connection interface 14 are a connection outlet 29 and a connection inlet 30. The connection outlet 29 designates the outlet opening of the cooling air path from which the cooling air exits from one module, in the present exemplary embodiment, for example, the energy storage module 6.The connection inlet 30, on the other hand, designates the inlet opening of the cooling air path 11, into which the cooling air enters from one module into the other module, in the present embodiment the machine module 2.

[0066] An exemplary density element 16 is shown in the Fig. 5 shown in more detail. Elements of the sealing element are a shaft area 19, stabilizing and / or air guide bars 20, an insertion stop 22, an air inlet 27, an air outlet 28, and a fixing device 31.

[0067] In the Fig. 5 In the top view shown, the air inlet 27 is facing the viewer. In the image plane of the Fig. 5The shaft area 19 extends into it with a longitudinal extent or length L. The length L indicates in particular the average distance between the front edge of the sealing element 16, via which the cooling air flows into the sealing element 16 when the sealing element 16 is used as intended, and the rear edge of the sealing element 16, via which the cooling air flows out of the sealing element when the sealing element 16 is used as intended.The shaft region of the sealing element 16 further has a height H, which in particular indicates a maximum extension, most particularly in the vertical direction, of an interior space of the shaft region 19 through which the cooling air flows, in particular perpendicular to the average flow direction of the cooling air flow through the shaft region 19, and a length L, which in particular indicates an extension of the shaft region 19 running in the horizontal direction, perpendicular to the height H and perpendicular to the average flow direction of the cooling air flow through the shaft region 19. The shaft region 19 can in particular be dimensioned such that the length L of the shaft region 19 corresponds to at least 0.3H and / or 0.3B, in particular at least 0.6H and / or 0.6B and most particularly at least 0.9H and / or 0.9B. It is also possible for the length L of the shaft region 19 to be greater than its height H and / or its width B.

[0068] Fig. 5 It further illustrates that the sealing element 16 can have one or more stabilizing and / or air-guiding webs 20. This can, for example, be a wall-like element extending longitudinally in the flow direction 17 within the shaft region 19, which influences the flow direction of the air flowing into the shaft region 19 and / or deliberately creates turbulence in the cooling air flow, for example for mixing purposes. For this purpose, it can be provided that the one or more stabilizing and / or air-guiding webs 20 form a wall-like inflow surface, which extends partially obliquely to the flow direction of the cooling air flow flowing towards the inflow surface.

[0069] Particularly when the sealing element 16 is made of an elastic material, one or more of these webs can also contribute to increasing the dimensional stability of the sealing element 16. For this purpose, it is advantageous for the at least one or more webs to be designed and arranged such that they directly connect two opposing inner wall regions or inner walls of the shaft region 19.

[0070] Part of the sealing element 16 is also the fixing device 31, which can be designed for, in particular, a positive locking of the sealing element 16 in the machine module 2 and / or in the energy storage module 6. The fixing device 31 can be designed as an element that projects and / or recesses relative to an, for example, substantially planar, outer surface of the sealing element 16, in particular on an outer surface extending perpendicular to the flow direction 17, for example as, as in the Fig. 5 As illustrated by way of example, a plurality of conical nubs 31' may be formed. The fixing device 31 is ideally designed to be at least partially complementary to a counterstructure in the machine part 2 and / or energy storage module 6.

[0071] The sealing element 16 can further have one or more insertion stops 22. These can be, for example, areas that protrude transversely, in particular vertically, in the direction away from the air inlet 27 of the sealing element 16, and in particular also a lip that completely surrounds the air inlet 27 in this direction. The insertion stop(s) can come into contact with receiving structures for the sealing element 16 in the machine module 2 and / or in the energy storage module 6 in an insertion or assembly direction and in this way prevent the sealing element 16 from being inserted too far and / or ensure that the sealing element 16 maintains a defined relative position relative to the machine module 2 or the energy storage module 6 during operation of the soil compaction machine, in particular during a change of the energy storage module 6 on the machine module 2.

[0072] The sealing element 16 can further have a sealing surface 26, in particular one that surrounds at least the air inlet 27 of the sealing element 16. This is intended to seal the transition of the cooling air path 11 between the machine module 2 and the energy storage module 6 in the soil compaction machine 1. For this purpose, it can be provided, for example, that the sealing element 16 is positioned with its shaft region 19 in the machine module 2 and that the energy storage module rests with its air outlet 33 against the sealing surface 26. In addition to this sealing, however, the shaft region 19 of the sealing element also acts in particular as a shaft-like sealing element extending in the direction of the cooling air path within the machine module 2 and / or the energy storage module 6. The shaft region thus extends significantly with its length L along a partial region of the cooling air path 11, in particular in the flow direction 17 beyond the connection inlet 29.Overall, in this way, the available sealing area is not only limited to a frontal contact area between the machine module 2 and the energy storage module 6, but is extended along the cooling air path 11, so that overall a sealing surface is obtained which is longitudinally extended in the flow direction 17 and which effectively counteracts potential leakage flows in the area of ​​the connection point 14.

[0073] Fig. 6 illustrates a cover 36 or a hood-like protective cover with an inner side 52 and a protective outer side 51. The cover 36 also comprises sealing element receptacles 37 with holding devices 53, into which in the Fig. 6In the exemplary embodiment shown, a total of two sealing elements 16 are used, by way of example. To attach the sealing elements 16 to the inner side 52 of the cover 36, these can be inserted in the insertion direction 23 or assembly direction into the sealing element receptacles 37, which are in particular receiving structures on the inner side 52 of the cover 36 that are complementary in the contact areas to the respective sealing element 16. The sealing element receptacles 37 can have the holding devices 53. The holding devices 53 counteract any displacement of the respective sealing element 16 in and / or counter to the insertion direction 23, in particular due to a positive fit.In the specific embodiment, the holding devices 53 are through holes fixed to the cover 36 or encompassed by it, into which the fixing device 31 engages, specifically the nubs 31' shown as an example, which protrude transversely to the insertion direction 23 from the sealing element 16. In this respect, the through holes form locking recesses 40 in and / or on the cover 36, into which the sealing element 16 engages upon insertion.

[0074] The Figures 7 and 8 illustrate further details on the possible design of the installation area of ​​the energy storage module 6 on the machine module 6. The Figures 7 and 8 come from the Fig. 2 and thus a soil compaction machine 1, from which the energy storage module 6 is removed. Figures 7 and 8 illustrate in particular exemplary structural details of a machine module counter formation 25 (in the Fig. 7dashed border), which in particular is assigned to an energy storage module 6 inserted into the soil compaction machine 1 (in the Figures 7 and 8 not shown) facing end face. This end face or this end face area can be at least partially complementary to an energy storage module formation 24 (inter alia in Fig. 1 The machine module counter-formation 25 comprises a roof area 38 projecting relative to the sealing elements 16 in the direction of the energy storage module 6. Set back relative to the front edge of this roof area and on the side of the inner side 52 is the sealing element 16 with its shaft area 19 extending along the inner side 52. The roof area 38 can at least partially cover the energy storage module 6 in the vertical direction upwards and can extend in particular beyond the compensation gap 18 at least as far as the energy storage module 6.

[0075] The Figures 1, 2 ,3 , 7 and 8 illustrate by way of example how the concrete mounting of the energy storage module 6 and thus also the positioning of the connection interface 14 on the manual guidance device 41 of the soil compaction machine can be carried out.

[0076] Within the cooling air path 11, one or more filter devices 21 may be provided, which are designed to separate solid and / or liquid particles in the conveyed cooling air. Such a filter device 21 may, for example, be a centrifugal separator and / or a fabric filter. It is possible to integrate the filter device 21 into the sealing element 16, as shown in FIG. Fig. 5 The frame shown in dashed lines, designated 21, can, for example, encompass a fabric structure through which the cooling air is sucked or forced during passage of the sealing element 16.

[0077] In addition to or as an alternative to the above information on the Figures 1 to 8 shown exemplary designs illustrates Fig. 12the principle underlying the invention further schematically. With regard to the basic structure and the relative arrangement of the individual components already mentioned above, reference is made to the preceding explanations. The cooling air flow 10 is sucked into the cooling air path via the cooling air inlet 12, in this case on the energy storage module 6, and guided through areas of the energy storage module 6 for cooling purposes, in particular for cooling the energy storage device 7, for example comprising a plurality of battery cells. The energy storage module 6 can also include further components that are cooled by the cooling air, such as power electronics 44 and / or other components 45 requiring cooling. The entirety of those elements that generate the cooling air flow 10 and guide it through the soil compaction unit is also referred to as the cooling device 50.

[0078] At the end of the cooling air path 11 within the energy storage module, the cooling air exits the energy storage module via the connection outlet 29 and is guided through the connection interface 14. The connection interface 14 has the sealing element 16, which bridges a compensation gap 18 between the energy storage module 6 and the machine module 2 along the cooling air path 11 and seals it off from the outside environment. This means that the energy storage module 6, particularly in the area of ​​the connection interface, does not have to be directly adjacent to the connection inlet 30 of the machine module 2.The free space maintained by the compensation gap 18 between the machine module 2 and the energy storage module 6 is, in particular, dimensioned such that relative movements of the machine module relative to the energy storage module 6, for example due to oscillating movements of the soil compaction machine 1, do not lead to a collision between these two elements. To seal this compensation gap 18, the sealing element 16 can have, in the region of its air inlet 27, a sealing lip that surrounds the air inlet 27 and essentially acts as a flat seal. The sealing lip extends outwards transversely to the flow direction and, with two sides opposite one another in the flow direction, forms a sealing contact against the mutually facing end faces of the storage module formation 24 and the machine module counter-formation 25.

[0079] However, this sealing area is often insufficient when operating soil compaction machines 1 of this type. In order to counteract any leaks that may occur at this point, the sealing element 16, in addition to the shaft area 19, extends along the cooling air path 11, which continues within the machine module, with a length L, into the machine module 2. The sealing effect of the sealing element 16 or its sealing path in the flow direction relative to the cooling air path 11 is thus not only limited to the end-face regions of the machine module 2 and the energy storage module 6 that are opposite one another, but also continues beyond the shaft area 19 inside the cooling air path in the machine module 2. Even if leaks should occur in the area of ​​the compensation gap 18 due to machine vibrations, these are practically eliminated by the subsequent shaft area 19.The cooling air is conducted through the sealing element 16 and ends at the air outlet 28 of the sealing element 16 in the interior of the machine module 2. To further improve the sealing effect towards the energy storage module 6, the latter can have almost precisely fitting receiving formations which are formed on the corresponding contact areas of the sealing element 16 on the energy storage module 6.

[0080] Within the machine module 2, the cooling air path can be used for additional cooling purposes, for example, by directing it past the electric motor 43 and / or power electronics 44, such as a converter, and / or other components requiring cooling 45. Within the cooling air path, the cooling air passes through the cooling air conveying device 9, in this case, for example, a suction fan, at the end of the cooling air path 11, and exits the soil compaction machine 1 into the outside environment via the cooling air outlet 13.

[0081] Fig. 12 It further illustrates that the sealing element 16 can also be designed as a multiple seal, because in addition to sealing the cooling air path 11, the sealing element 16 also simultaneously seals a detachable energy transmission line 39 and / or a detachable signal transmission line 56 between the energy storage module 6 and the machine module 2. These lines can have suitable plug connections 32 for at least temporary detachability.

[0082] In addition to the Figures 1 and 2 The soil compaction machine 1 can also be used as a vibrating plate ( Fig. 9 ), trench roller ( Fig. 10 ) or tandem roller ( Fig. 11 ). These machines differ, among other things, in the type of design of the ground contact element 4 (base plate according to Fig. 9 and rolled bandages according to Figures 10 and 11), the design of the vibration excitation device 5 (typically unbalance exciter), the type of guidance ( Fig. 9 with a hand guide device 41 in the form of a guide bar 49 or a guide drawbar, Fig. 10 partially remote controlled, Fig. 11 for example as a ride-on machine with a driver’s seat 42). LIST OF REFERENCE SYMBOLS

[0083] 1 Soil compaction machine 2 Machine module 3 Machine frame 4 Soil contact element 5 Vibration excitation device 6 Energy storage module 7 Energy storage devices 8 Housing 9 Cooling air conveyor 10 Cooling air flow 11 Cooling air section or cooling air duct 12 Cooling air inlet 13 Cooling air outlet 14 Connection interface 15 Sealing device 16 Sealing element 17 Flow direction 18 Compensation gap 19 Shaft area 20 Stabilization and / or air guide bars 21 Filter device 22 Insertion stop 23 Insertion direction 24 Storage module formation 25 Machine module formation 26 Sealing surface 27 Air inlet of the sealing element 28 Air outlet of the sealing element 29 Connection outlet 30 Connection inlet 31 Fixing device 32 Electrical plug contact 33 Air outlet of the energy storage module 34 Air inlet of the machine module 35Blower 36Cover 37Sealing element holder 38Roof area 39Power transmission line 40Locking recess 41Hand guide device 42Driver's seat 43Electric motor44Power electronics device 45Operating components requiring cooling 46Upper mass 47Damping device 48Lower mass 49Guide bracket 50Cooling device 51Protective outer side 52Inner side 53Holding device 55Damping elements 56Signal transmission line LLength of the shaft area HHeight of the shaft area WLidth of the shaft area AWorking direction

Claims

1. Soil compaction machine (1) with a machine module (2), comprising - a machine frame (3), - a ground contact element (4) movably mounted on the machine frame (3), and - a vibration excitation device (5) that sets the ground contact element (4) in a vibrating and / or pounding motion, and with an, in particular replaceable, energy storage module (6) for storing electrical energy, comprising - one or more energy storage devices (7) and - a housing (8), wherein the soil compaction machine (1) has a cooling device (50) with - a cooling air conveying device (9) that is designed to generate a cooling air flow (10), and with - a cooling air path (11) with a cooling air inlet (12) and a cooling air outlet (13), which guides the cooling air flow (10) through the energy storage module (6) and the machine module (2),wherein a separable connection interface (14) is provided between the energy storage module (6) and the machine module (2), and wherein the cooling air path (11) extends through the connection interface (14), and wherein a sealing device (15) with at least one sealing element (16) is provided, which seals the cooling air path (11) in the region of the connection interface (14) to the outside against leakage flows.

2. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that in the flow direction (17) of the cooling air flow through the connection interface (14), a compensation gap (18) is present between the machine module (2) and the energy storage module (6), wherein the sealing element (16) is arranged in the flow direction (17) of the cooling air flow through the connection interface (14) between the machine module (2) and the energy storage module (6) and / or fills the compensation gap (18).

3. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (16) comprises a shaft region (19) which extends in and / or counter to the flow direction (17) of the cooling air flow into the machine module (2) and / or the energy storage module (6), wherein the shaft region (19) of the sealing element (16) has in particular at least one of the following features: - it is larger with respect to a length (L) of the cooling air path (11) formed by the shaft region (19) than with respect to its height (H) and / or width (B); - one or more stabilizing and / or air guiding webs (20) are arranged in the shaft region (19) of the sealing element (16).

4. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe sealing element (16) has at least one of the following features: - it consists at least partially of an elastic material, in particular plastic or rubber and / or it is airtight, dusttight and / or watertight; - it is formed in one or more pieces; - it is formed symmetrically or asymmetrically; - it is formed from the same material; - it is mounted in the energy storage module (6) and / or in the machine module (2) in a replaceable manner, in particular without tools; - it comprises a filter device (21), in particular one which can be replaced separately from the sealing element (16).

5. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the sealing element (16) has an insertion stop (22) which lies in the sealing gap and rests transversely to an insertion direction (23) on the energy storage module (6) and / or on the machine module (2).

6. Soil compaction machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized by thatthe sealing element (16) has at least one sealing surface (26) complementary to a storage module formation (24) and / or to a machine module counter-formation (25) and / or the storage module formation (24) and / or the machine module counter-formation (25) has a connection outlet (29) and / or connection inlet (30) complementary to an air inlet (27) and / or to an air outlet (28) of the sealing element (16).

7. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe sealing element (16) has at least one of the following features: - a fixing device (31) designed to lock the sealing element (16), in particular in a form-fitting manner, in the machine module (2) and / or in the energy storage module (6); - it is designed as a multiple sealing element such that it also performs further sealing and / or damping functions, in particular a sealing function in the region of electrical plug contacts (32); - it is arranged between an air outlet (33) of the energy storage module (6) and an air inlet (34) of the machine module (2); - it is mounted on the machine module (2) such that it remains on the machine module (2) when the energy storage module (6) is removed.

8. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe cooling air conveying device (9) has at least one of the following features: - it is a fan, in particular a suction fan, arranged in the machine module (2); - it sucks in the cooling air through the cooling air path (11).

9. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the soil compaction machine (1) has at least one of the following features: - it has two or more sealing elements (16), wherein the two or more sealing elements (16) are in particular identical in construction and / or mirror-symmetrical to one another; - it has a cover (36) in which the sealing element (16) is mounted and held, in particular in a form-fitting and / or force-fitting and / or friction-fitting manner.

10. Soil compaction machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized by thatthe machine module (2) and / or the energy storage module (6) has a sealing element receptacle (37), in particular integrated into the cover (36) and / or into the housing (8) of the energy storage module (6), which is designed in the manner of a channel, wherein the sealing element receptacle (38) has in particular one or more locking formations, in particular locking recesses (40), which are designed in particular complementary to fixing devices (21) of the sealing element (16).

11. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe soil compaction machine (1), in particular one driven by an electric motor, is - a hand-held soil compaction machine (1) with a machine frame (3), a ground contact device (4) arranged on the machine frame (3) and a hand-guided device (41), in particular a guide bar (42) or a guide drawbar, in particular a vibratory rammer or a vibrating plate or a roller, - a remote-controlled soil compaction machine (1) with a machine frame (3) and a ground contact device (4) arranged on the machine frame (3), in particular a trench roller or a vibrating plate, or - a ride-on soil compaction machine with a machine frame (3), a ground contact device (4) arranged on the machine frame (3) and a driver's seat (42), in particular a tandem roller.

12. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatthe cooling air path (11) runs along an electric motor (43) and / or a power electronics device (44) and / or another operating component (45) of the soil compaction machine (1) requiring cooling, wherein the sealing element is arranged in particular in such a way that it seals the cooling air path (11) for cooling air of the electric motor (43) between the energy storage module (6) and the machine module (2) upstream of the electric motor.

13. Soil compaction machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized by that the cooling air duct for cooling the power electronics device (44) runs along the power electronics device.

14. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized by thatthe soil compaction machine (1) has an upper mass (46) and a lower mass (48) connected thereto via a damping device (47), and in that the energy storage module (6) and / or the power electronics device (44) is arranged on the upper mass (46) and the electric motor (43) is arranged on the upper mass (46) or on the lower mass (48).

15. Soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the energy storage module (6) is mounted on a hand-guide device (41), in particular on a guide bracket or on a guide drawbar.

16. Sealing element (16), in particular for the cooling air guide of an energy storage module (6) of a soil compaction machine (1), in particular a soil compaction machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by thatit is one in that the sealing element (16) comprises a shaft region (19) which is provided for guiding a cooling air flow along a flow direction (17), wherein the longitudinal extent (L) of the shaft region (19) in the flow direction (17) is greater than its maximum height (H) and / or width (B) running transversely to the flow direction (17).

17. Protective cover (36) with a sealing element, in particular a sealing element (16) according to claim 16, very particularly for a soil compaction machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by thatthe protective cover (36) has a protective outer side (51) and an inner side (52), and that a holding device (53) is formed on the inner side (52), which fixes the sealing element (16) in a form-fitting manner, wherein the holding device (53) is designed in particular such that it encompasses the sealing element (16) all the way around, and very particularly has a locking recess (40) extending in particular transversely to a mounting direction (23) of the sealing element (16).

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